What is the Difference Between Ash and Oak

The main difference between ash and oak is their hardness. While both are hardwoods, ash is slightly harder than oak. In terms of their appearance, the grain of ash is not as obvious as that of oak.

Ash and oak are two common types of hardwood we use for wooden floorings, cabinets, and furniture. They are heavier and harder than softwood and have great resilience and versatility.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ash
– Definition, Features
2. What is Oak
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Ash and Oak
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ash, Oak, Hardwood

What is Ash

Ash is a hardwood in the Fraxinus genus within the olive family, Oleaceae. These trees are widespread across Asia, Europe, and North America. Ashwood contains around 45 – 65 species and includes medium to large trees. Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) and White Ash (Fraxinus americana) are two of the most common varieties of ash. White Ash has a lighter color and growth rings that are wider spaced, whereas Black Ash tends to have a darker color and growth rings are much closer together.

Ash is a very hardwood. It has a fine appearance, flexibility, elasticity, and is robust. This wood is very versatile and has a wide range of uses. Basketballs, tennis rackets, bows and arrows, snooker cues, walking sticks, wood flooring, handles for axes and hammers, dining tables, and furniture are some uses of ash. In addition, we can use ash with any form of styling and decoration.

What is Oak

Oak is a hardwood in the genus Quercus of the beech family, Fagaceae. This wood tends to be extremely grainy. There are two main varieties of oak as white oak and red oak. The colour of red oak varies from light brown to pinkish-red and has a swirling, water-like pattern. It’s a very popular flooring option in the US. Moreover, it’s a stiff and dense wood and resists wear, but not as well as white oak. White oak is generally brown in colour with a greyish coat and has a tiger-stripe grain with yellow rays and flecks. It is more durable and harder than red oak. Both types of wood are readily available, but white oak is not as abundant as red oak.

Moreover, oak wood is durable and is usually cut in a way that makes it resistant to warping. Since it has a visible wavy grain, it has a unique appearance. A good finish can nicely highlight the grain. However, the stain of the wood can darken overly and exaggerate the grain, which will result in a two-toned appearance. We use this wood for furniture, flooring, moulding, doors, kitchen cabinets, architectural millwork, panelling, and caskets.

Difference Between Ash and Oak

Definition

Ash is a hardwood in the Fraxinus genus within the Olive (Oleaceae) family, while Oak is a hardwood in the genus Quercus of the Beech (Fagaceae) family.

Grain

Oak woods have a radial grain pattern, whereas ash woods do not have a radial grain pattern.

Hardness

Ash is slightly harder than oak.

Uses

Ash is used to make basketballs, tennis rackets, bows and arrows, snooker cues, walking sticks, wood flooring, handles for axes and hammers, and furniture. Oak, on the other hand, is used to make furniture, flooring, moulding, doors, kitchen cabinets, architectural millwork, panelling, and caskets.

Conclusion

Ash and oak are two common types of hardwood we use for wooden floorings, cabinets, and furniture. The main difference between ash and oak is their hardness. While both are hardwoods, ash is slightly harder than oak. In terms of their appearance, the grain of ash is not as obvious as that of oak.