If you are looking to build something out of solid wood, then there are many different options that you have at your disposal. Two types that many people choose are oak and ash.
That said, there are some major differences between these two that you need to be aware of. Today, we’re going to take a look at all of the biggest differences between these materials, to figure out which one is best for you and your next woodworking project.
What Is Oak?
First, we have the oak tree, which is a deciduous type of tree that can be found all throughout the northern hemisphere. Oak is a hardwood tree that is found mainly in North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In North America alone, there are over 160 types of oak trees.
In terms of appearance, this wood generally has a very straight and tight grain, with an uneven or coarse texture at times. Oak usually has a beige to brownish-red color and has a lot of knots and gaps as well. Of all of the different species out there, today we are going to focus on the red oak tree, as it is one of the most commonly used.
This is a very dense, heavy, and hard type of wood, which means that it is quite resistant to various forms of physical damage. At the same time, it also contains some resins and natural oils, which when combined with its hardness and density, do allow for great moisture and fungus resistance. It is a decent choice for interior and outdoor use, particularly because of its resistance to the elements.
That being said, oak is not the most pest-resistant wood out there, so you do need to be careful about infestations. Oak is often used for interior and exterior doors, cabinets, flooring, furniture, decorative pieces, and more.
What Is Ash?
We then have the ash tree. Here, we are talking about the white ash tree. This is one of the most commonly found in North America, and it makes for a popular construction choice. This is a hardwood tree that is deciduous in nature, and it grows in eastern Canada, as well as in other parts of North America, and can grow up to 80’ tall.
This wood has a regular and straight grain, and it may have some curls at times. It also has a medium to coarse texture and sometimes has a few knots. The heartwood of ash is generally medium brown in color whereas the sapwood is usually beige to white brown.
Ash wood is quite strong, hard, and durable, so it is quite resistant to various forms of physical damage. That said, it is not very resistant to decay, moisture, fungus, or pests, so it’s not the best choice for outdoor use. However, it is very easy to work with, as it is easy to stain, paint, nail, screw, and saw, and it can bend quite easily with steam.
People also like ash as a hardwood because it’s very inexpensive. It is usually used for utilitarian purposes, such as making crates, boxes, baseball bats, basic flooring needs, for turned objects, and interior millwork.
Oak vs. Ash: What Are the Differences?
Now that we know what both oak and ash are, let’s figure out what makes the two different from each other.
Hardness
In terms of hardness, oak comes in at 1,220 lbf on the Janka hardness scale. On the other hand, ash comes in at 1,320 lbf. This means that ash is a little bit stronger in terms of hardness. It’s more resistant to physical damage such as denting and scratching. It is therefore generally considered the better option for things like indoor furniture.
Density
What is interesting to note is that although ash is a bit harder than oak, it is also a bit lighter in weight. Oak features a density of 43 lbs per cubic foot, whereas ash has a density of 42 lbs per cubic foot. For this reason, oak can be a little bit harder to work with, just because it’s heavier and harder to maneuver.
Moisture and Pest Resistance
What needs to be said here is that as far as outdoor use is concerned, oak is usually going to be the better option, particularly because it is much more moisture and decay-resistant than ash. With that being said, both of these types of wood are not overly resistant to pests.
Oak is a little more resistant to pests than ash, but both don’t do too well when it comes to insects. Therefore, although oak is the better option for outdoor purposes, neither is a great choice.
We wrote more about oak’s water resistance (or lack thereof) here.
Overall Strength
If we are talking about things like compressive strength, the modulus of rupture, and the modulus of elasticity, ash is generally stronger on all of these fronts. In terms of overall physical durability and structural soundness, ash is the stronger of the two.
Workability
What is interesting to note is that ash is also extremely easy to work with. It bends very well with steam, and it’s easy to saw, screw, nail, paint, and stain. Oak also isn’t very difficult to work with, although it can be harder than ash, particularly due to the large number of knots that may be present.
Appearance – Color and Grain
Most people would agree that oak wood is much better looking. Ash is generally used as a utilitarian wood because it just doesn’t look very nice. It has a medium brown color and a straight texture, so it’s just nothing special to look at. People tend to like oak, however, for its reddish-brown color and its interesting texture.
Cost
Red oak can cost you up to $25 per board foot, whereas ash is going to cost only $8 per board foot.
When to Use Oak?
If you need a type of wood that looks really nice and may be used for outdoor purposes, especially if you seal it properly, then oak is a fine option to consider. It’s a really good option for doors, floors, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture, especially when aesthetics and physical durability are called for.
When to Use Ash?
If you are just looking for an extremely affordable type of wood for basic utilitarian purposes, then ash is always a good option to consider. It doesn’t look very special, and it’s not ideal for outdoor use, but if you need something strong and durable for indoor purposes, it’s definitely a top contender.
Alternatives to Oak and Ash
Seeing as both oak and ash are not ideal for outdoor purposes, you might want to check out options such as mahogany, ipe, teak, and cedar, as these are all extremely moisture and pest resistant.
Summary
Now that you are aware of all of the major differences between oak and ash, you can make an informed decision between them. Both are very strong and durable, although oak is probably the better option for outdoor use, whereas ash is an affordable option that is ideal for utilitarian purposes.