Probably most famous as the wood used for Louisville Slugger baseball bats, Ash is a wonderfully hard and durable choice for flooring. It is second only to Maple in lightness of color and like Maple, is available with or without the darker striations. Although, the grain of Ash is more prominent than Maple – similar to Oak and nearly identical to American Chestnut. Its light background and tan growth rings and striations tend more towards gray than pink, making it an excellent accompaniment to a beach look. To maintain the lightest color, a water-based finish is the best option.
Select & Better Grade (NOFMA):
Available unfinished, or factory pre-finished with a micro-bevel, this plain sawn grade includes the naturally occurring wood character such as minor color variations and varying grain patterns. A relatively uniform light colored choice for flooring, this grade offers a minimalist contemporary look with great durability.
Select & Better Rift & Quarter Sawn (NOFMA):
Available unfinished, or factory pre-finished with a micro-bevel, and hand selected for "white" and straight grain. This grade offers a very uniform grain and light colored choice for flooring for the more formal and minimalist settings, where great durability is desired.
Country Grade (NOFMA #1 Common)
Available unfinished, or factory pre-finished with a micro-bevel, plain sawn, with much of the naturally occurring wood character remaining such as small tight knots, color variations and varying grain patterns for a slightly less formal look.
