The name ash comes from the word “spear,” which could be a reference to its spear-shaped leaves or the fact that ancient peoples used the tree to make weaponry. It’s also tied to many legends. Norse mythology refers to it as “The World Tree” and claims the first man came from ash and burning ash as a Yule log assures a prosperous year ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ash Wood

Because there are many ash wood products on the market, people often wonder how it compares to other wood types and what it’s like to own a piece of ash wood furniture. We’ll address some of the most common questions below.

What Color is Ash Wood?

Unlike other trees which have large color variations between the innermost part of the tree (heartwood) and the outermost part of the tree (sapwood), it can sometimes be difficult to see where the line between the two is with ash. Overall, it’s quite light and tends to be various shades of beige which will darken slightly over time.

Why Does Ash Wood Change Colors Over Time?

All hardwoods tend to change hues a bit as the years go by. Generally speaking, lighter varieties will become richer, while darker woods will lighten some. This is a natural process caused by exposure to UV light and oxygen.

Can Ash Wood Furniture Go Outside?

Realistically, no real wood furniture should go outside, simply because it would require maintenance at least once a year and, even then, it would still degrade. Ashwood also tends to be one of the least rot-resistant species, so it’s not something you’d want to keep outside. That said, Vermont Woods Studios makes gorgeous outdoor furniture guaranteed to last a lifetime. It’s crafted with recycled plastic lumber (RPL), a dense plastic that looks like real wood but withstands the elements and requires minimal care.

Is Ash Wood Eco-friendly? Are White Ash Trees Endangered?

Ash trees have more than thrived for centuries throughout North America. Many resources consider them to be “invasive” because they can take hold almost anywhere. Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer, a wood-boring pest, slipped into the country a few years ago.

It is decimating our ash tree populations. A healthy ash tree that becomes infested may only live a matter of years. The government has stepped in and quarantined ash trees, meaning they can’t be transported out of certain parts of the country to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Sadly, the Emerald Ash Borer has been detected here in Vermont as of mid-2018. Ash trees are now considered “critically endangered,” meaning they’re at high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. That said, many agencies have come together to eradicate the pest, and trees can go on to live long healthy lives if they’re treated.

The ash wood we use is always sustainably-harvested, meaning our woodworkers take special care not to harvest wood in a way that harms the environment. They also choose local wood as much as possible, so the carbon footprint is reduced because there’s minimal transportation.

That said, as more ash trees succumb to the Emerald Ash Borer, it will become more difficult to find furniture made with ash wood.