Fraxinus excelsior
§ 1.0 — INTRODUCTION
European Ash is the “Utility King” of the hardwood world. Known for its incredible toughness and shock resistance, it is the only choice for tool handles, sports equipment like hurling sticks, and traditional vehicle framing. It’s a clean-looking, pale wood that takes a stain brilliantly.
For a haulier, Ash is a reliable, high-density load. It’s significantly heavier than Alder or Pine, so you need to keep an eye on your axle weights. It is one of the best-behaved woods on the trailer; it’s strong, takes a strap well, and doesn’t tend to bleed resins or dyes. However, with the spread of Chalara (Ash Dieback), you may find yourself hauling more “dead-standing” timber, which can be brittle and prone to shedding bark—watch your mirrors for flying debris.
§ 1.1 — TAXONOMY & IDENTIFICATION
§ 1.2 — WOOD ANATOMY
Large earlywood pores in a band 2-4 pores wide. Small latewood pores.
Paratracheal vasicentric and confluent (banded).
§ 1.3 — MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| Dry Density | 695.0 $kg/m^{3}$ |
| Janka Hardness | 1,449 $lbf$ |
| Modulus of Rupture (MOR) | 103.0 $MPa$ |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 12.00 $GPa$ |
| Crushing Strength | 50.0 $MPa$ |
| Shrinkage | Radial: 5.7%, Tangential: 9.4%, Volumetric: 15.1% |
| T/R Ratio | 1.6 |
§ 1.4 — PROCESSING & DURABILITY
Excellent; along with Beech, it is one of the premier woods for steam bending, capable of taking very sharp curves without fracturing.
§ 1.5 — SPECIES IMAGE GALLERY
§ 1.6 — THE HAULAGE FILE
Because Ash is so tough, you can really crank down your ratchets without fear of the "strap-crush" you get with Alder or Poplar. It is one of the safest loads to haul because the grain is so straight and the timber is so rigid.
Due to Ash Dieback, movement of Ash in certain areas of the UK and Europe may be subject to local restrictions—always check your timber transport permits.
§ 1.7 — DISCLAIMER
The data contained in this Timber Species Library is compiled from primary scientific sources (including CIRAD and the FPL) and my own field observations as a professional Timber Haulier for a British Timber Wholesaler. However, users must note the following:
Natural Variance: Wood is a biological material. Mechanical properties (Density, MOR, Janka Hardness) can vary significantly even within the same species based on growth region, soil quality, and moisture content.
Haulage Estimates: "Green Weight" estimates are for general load planning only. Always use certified weighbridge data to confirm legal compliance before transit.
No Liability: This library is a personal reference manual made public for interest. I am an amateur developer and researcher, not a certified structural engineer. Use this data at your own risk.
Verification: Always cross-reference these figures with official project specifications before making any structural or financial decisions.