Ash Tree Firewood Uses (5 Proven Tasks For Woodworkers)

Everyone has their favorite, the one that burns the longest, hottest, and cleanest. But I’ve found, after years of splitting, stacking, and stoking fires, that the “best” isn’t always about those peak performance metrics. It’s about what’s available, what you can handle, and what fits your specific needs. And sometimes, the unsung hero, the wood that gets overlooked, turns out to be a true champion. For me, that’s often ash. So, let’s dive into the world of ash tree firewood and explore why it deserves a spot in your woodpile.

Ash Tree Firewood Uses (5 Proven Tasks for Woodworkers)

Ash. It’s not the first wood that leaps to mind when you think of premium firewood, is it? Oak, hickory, maybe even maple get more of the limelight. But I’m here to tell you that ash, especially when you consider its versatility, ease of splitting, and relatively clean burn, is a fantastic choice – and a real boon for woodworkers. I’ve personally spent countless hours processing ash, both for my own wood stove and for various woodworking projects. And I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.

Why Ash? My Personal Experiences

I remember one particularly harsh winter. A large ash tree on my property came down during a storm. I was initially bummed – it was a beautiful tree. But then I realized I had a goldmine of firewood on my hands. That winter, my ash fire kept my house cozy and warm. What surprised me most was how easy it was to split, even when green. No more wrestling with stubborn oak logs!

But ash isn’t just for keeping warm. Its unique properties make it valuable for several woodworking tasks. Let’s look at five proven uses that will make you appreciate this often-underestimated wood.

1. Fueling the Fire: Ash as a Prime Firewood Choice

Let’s start with the obvious: burning it. Ash boasts a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating that puts it squarely in the “good” to “excellent” category for firewood. Different sources vary slightly, but generally, you’re looking at around 20 million BTUs per cord. This is comparable to many maples and significantly better than softer woods like pine or poplar.

Data Point: A cord of ash, properly seasoned, can produce roughly 20-24 million BTUs of heat.
Insight: This high BTU content means you’ll get a good amount of heat for the volume of wood you burn.

But BTU is only part of the story. Ash has other qualities that make it a superb firewood choice:

Easy Splitting: This is where ash really shines. Its straight grain makes it a dream to split, even when green. I’ve tackled ash logs with just an axe and maul, and the results have been consistently satisfying.
Low Smoke: Ash, when seasoned properly (more on that later), burns relatively clean, producing less smoke than many other hardwoods. This is better for your chimney, your neighbors, and the environment.
Quick Seasoning: Compared to dense woods like oak, ash seasons relatively quickly. In my experience, six to twelve months of proper stacking and drying is usually sufficient.
Burns Hot and Steady: Ash provides a consistent, reliable heat output, making it ideal for both fireplaces and wood stoves.

My Firewood Prep Routine:

Felling: I use a chainsaw with a 20-inch bar for felling ash trees. Stihl and Husqvarna are my go-to brands.
Bucking: I buck the logs into manageable lengths, usually around 16 inches, to fit my wood stove.
Splitting: I prefer using a maul and splitting wedge for smaller logs. For larger, tougher pieces, I use a hydraulic log splitter.
Stacking: I stack the split wood in a single row, off the ground, with plenty of air circulation.
Seasoning: I cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow but leave the sides open for airflow.

Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy boots, when using a chainsaw or splitting wood.

2. Crafting Tool Handles: Strength and Shock Absorption

Ash wood is renowned for its strength, flexibility, and shock-absorbing properties. This makes it an ideal choice for tool handles, particularly those that endure significant impact. Think axe handles, sledgehammer handles, and even some types of garden tool handles.

Data Point: Ash has a Janka hardness rating of around 1320 lbf (pounds-force). This indicates its resistance to denting and wear.
Insight: This hardness, combined with its flexibility, makes ash resistant to splitting and cracking under stress.

Why Ash Works:

Impact Resistance: Ash’s ability to absorb shock reduces fatigue and potential injury when using hand tools.
Strength: It can withstand the repeated stresses of hammering, chopping, and other heavy-duty tasks.
Flexibility: Ash can bend without breaking, making it less likely to snap under pressure.
Grain Structure: The straight, consistent grain of ash makes it easy to shape and work with.

Crafting an Axe Handle:

Selecting the Wood: Choose a piece of straight-grained, knot-free ash.
Shaping: Use a drawknife and spokeshave to shape the handle to the desired dimensions.
Sanding: Sand the handle smooth with progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
Fitting: Carefully fit the handle into the axe head, ensuring a tight, secure fit.
Finishing: Apply a protective finish, such as linseed oil or varnish, to seal the wood and protect it from moisture.

Case Study: I once replaced a broken hickory handle on my splitting maul with an ash handle. The ash handle proved to be more comfortable to use, absorbing the shock of each strike more effectively. It also held up remarkably well, lasting for several years of heavy use.

3. Building Furniture: Light, Strong, and Beautiful

While not as commonly used as oak or maple for fine furniture, ash can be a stunning choice for certain furniture projects. Its light color, prominent grain pattern, and strength make it well-suited for modern, minimalist designs.

Data Point: Ash has a density of around 41 lbs/cubic foot. This makes it lighter than oak but still strong enough for furniture construction.
Insight: The lighter weight of ash can be advantageous for larger furniture pieces, making them easier to move and handle.

Ash Furniture Advantages:

Lightweight: Makes it easier to move and handle furniture.
Strong: Provides ample support for tables, chairs, and other furniture pieces.
Attractive Grain: The distinct grain pattern adds visual interest to furniture.
Takes Finishes Well: Ash accepts stains and finishes readily, allowing you to customize the look of your furniture.

Furniture Project Example: A Simple Ash Bench

Material Selection: Choose straight, clear ash lumber for the legs and seat.
Cutting: Cut the lumber to the desired dimensions.
Joinery: Use mortise and tenon joints or other suitable joinery methods to connect the legs to the seat.
Assembly: Assemble the bench and ensure all joints are secure.
Sanding: Sand the bench smooth.
Finishing: Apply a clear finish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Professional Tip: When using ash for furniture, consider its open grain. You may want to use a grain filler to create a smoother surface before applying a finish.

4. Crafting Baseball Bats: The Sound of the Game

Ash has long been a favorite wood for baseball bats, prized for its combination of strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties. While maple bats have gained popularity in recent years, ash remains a viable and respected choice among players.

Data Point: Ash bats offer a good “trampoline effect,” meaning they help propel the ball off the bat with greater force.
Insight: This “trampoline effect” is due to the wood’s ability to flex slightly upon impact, storing and then releasing energy.

Why Ash Bats Perform Well:

Lightweight: Allows for faster swing speeds.
Flexibility: Provides a good “feel” for the ball and helps reduce vibrations.
Strength: Can withstand the repeated impact of hitting baseballs.
Traditional Choice: Many players prefer the feel and sound of ash bats.

Bat-Making Process (Simplified):

Selecting the Wood: Choose a straight-grained piece of ash with no knots or defects.
Turning: Use a lathe to turn the wood into the desired bat shape.
Sanding: Sand the bat smooth.
Finishing: Apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its durability.

Real-World Example: Many professional baseball players still use ash bats, citing their superior feel and performance. While maple bats are known for their hardness, ash bats offer a more forgiving feel and a larger sweet spot.

5. Decorative Woodworking: Accents and Inlays

Ash’s light color and prominent grain pattern make it an excellent choice for decorative woodworking projects. It can be used for accents, inlays, and other decorative elements to add visual interest to furniture, boxes, and other wooden objects.

Data Point: Ash’s light color contrasts beautifully with darker woods like walnut or cherry, making it ideal for inlays and accents.
Insight: By strategically incorporating ash into your projects, you can create striking visual effects.

Decorative Applications:

Inlays: Cut thin strips of ash and inlay them into darker woods to create decorative patterns.
Accents: Use ash to create contrasting borders or trim on furniture or boxes.
Veneers: Apply ash veneer to plywood or other substrates to create a more refined look.
Carving: Ash is relatively easy to carve, making it suitable for creating decorative details.

Project Idea: A Decorative Ash Box

Box Construction: Build a simple wooden box from your wood of choice.
Ash Inlay: Cut a decorative pattern from ash wood.
Inlay Installation: Carefully inlay the ash pattern into the box lid or sides.
Sanding: Sand the box smooth.
Finishing: Apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its beauty.

My Experience with Ash Inlays: I once created a walnut jewelry box with ash inlays. The contrast between the dark walnut and the light ash was striking, and the inlays added a touch of elegance to the piece. I used a scroll saw to cut the ash inlays and carefully glued them into the walnut. The result was a beautiful and unique piece that I was proud to give as a gift.

Seasoning Ash: The Key to Success

No matter how you plan to use your ash wood, proper seasoning is crucial. Seasoning reduces the moisture content of the wood, making it burn more efficiently, less likely to warp or crack, and less susceptible to rot.

Data Point: Freshly cut ash can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Properly seasoned ash should have a moisture content of 20% or less.
Insight: Using a moisture meter can help you determine when your ash is properly seasoned.

Seasoning Steps:

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing it to dry faster.
Stack Properly: Stack the wood off the ground in a single row with plenty of air circulation.
Protect from Rain: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for airflow.
Allow Time: Allow the wood to season for at least six to twelve months, depending on the climate and the size of the wood.

My Seasoning Method:

I stack my split ash wood on pallets to keep it off the ground. I use a simple lean-to structure to protect the top of the stack from rain and snow. I also make sure to leave plenty of space between the rows of wood to allow for good air circulation. I check the moisture content of the wood periodically using a moisture meter.

Challenges and Considerations

While ash is a fantastic wood, there are a few challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

Emerald Ash Borer: This invasive insect has devastated ash populations in many areas. Be sure to source your ash wood responsibly and consider planting disease-resistant varieties.
Availability: Depending on your location, ash may not be as readily available as other wood species.
Workability: While generally easy to work with, ash can be prone to tear-out if you’re not careful. Use sharp tools and take light cuts.
Identification: It’s important to be able to accurately identify ash trees to avoid accidentally harvesting other species.

Identifying Ash Trees:

Opposite Branching: Ash trees have opposite branching patterns, meaning that the branches grow directly across from each other.
Compound Leaves: Ash leaves are compound, meaning that they consist of multiple leaflets attached to a single stem.
Diamond-Shaped Bark: The bark of ash trees has a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern.

Addressing the Emerald Ash Borer:

Support local efforts to control the Emerald Ash Borer. Consider planting disease-resistant ash varieties. If you have ash trees on your property, monitor them closely for signs of infestation.

The Future of Ash

The future of ash trees is uncertain due to the Emerald Ash Borer. However, ongoing research and breeding programs are focused on developing disease-resistant varieties. By supporting these efforts, we can help ensure that ash trees continue to thrive for generations to come.

Supporting Ash Tree Conservation:

Plant Disease-Resistant Varieties: Choose disease-resistant ash varieties when planting new trees.
Support Research: Donate to organizations that are researching ways to combat the Emerald Ash Borer.
Monitor Your Trees: Regularly inspect your ash trees for signs of infestation.
Report Infestations: Report any suspected Emerald Ash Borer infestations to your local agricultural extension office.

Final Thoughts: Appreciating the Versatility of Ash

Ash may not always be the flashiest or most sought-after wood, but its versatility, ease of use, and unique properties make it a valuable resource for both firewood and woodworking projects. From fueling your fire to crafting tool handles to building furniture, ash offers a range of possibilities. So, the next time you have the opportunity to work with ash, don’t overlook it. Embrace its potential and discover the many benefits this often-underestimated wood has to offer.

Ash Tree Firewood Uses (5 Proven Tasks for Woodworkers)