How Can I Tell if the Furniture I Have is Ash Wood?

Its really difficult to tell if a piece of furniture is made from ash wood because it closely resembles oak when stained. In fact, many antique pieces get passed off as being oak when theyre really ash wood. Even professionals mistake the two from time to time when relying on visual indicators only. For this reason, its important to purchase ash furniture from an experienced and reputable seller; thats the only way to know for certain unless youve got a microscope and scientific knowledge.

Can Ash Wood Furniture Go Outside?

Realistically, no real wood furniture should go outside, simply because it would require maintenance at least once a year and, even then, it would still degrade. Ash wood also tends to be one of the least rot-resistant species, so its not something youd want to keep outside. That said, Vermont Woods Studios makes gorgeous outdoor furniture guaranteed to last a lifetime. Its crafted with recycled plastic lumber (RPL), a dense plastic that looks like real wood but withstands the elements and requires minimal care.

Is Ash Wood Eco-Friendly? Are White Ash Trees Endangered?

Ash trees have more than thrived for centuries throughout North America. In fact, many resources consider them to be invasive because they can take hold almost anywhere. Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer, a wood-boring pest, slipped into the country a few years ago. It is decimating our ash tree populations. A healthy ash tree that becomes infested may only live a matter of years. The government has stepped in and quarantined ash trees, meaning they cant be transported out of certain parts of the country in an effort to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Sadly, the Emerald Ash Borer has been detected here in Vermont as of mid-2018. Ash trees are now considered critically endangered, meaning theyre at high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. That said, many agencies have come together to eradicate the pest, and trees can go on to live long healthy lives if theyre treated.

The ash wood we use is always sustainably-harvested, meaning our woodworkers take special care not to harvest wood in a way that harms the environment. They also choose local wood as much as possible, so the carbon footprint is reduced because theres minimal transportation. That said, as more ash trees succumb to the Emerald Ash Borer, it will become more difficult to find furniture made with ash wood..

How to Care for Ash Wood Furniture

Ash wood can be finished in numerous ways, including varnish, wax, lacquer and oil. Each finish will require different care. That said, youll want to keep your ash furniture in a dry area and dust it regularly. Its best to avoid commercial cleaners and polishes, which may damage the finish or make it sticky.

Learn more about the different wood finishes we offer and how to care for each one.

What to Look for When Purchasing Ash Furniture

Now more than ever, its important to select local products. The Emerald Ash Borer isnt native to the United States. It was a hitchhiker brought in with international wood imports from Asia and/or Russia. Those who are concerned about the environment will want to take every precaution to ensure that their piece was sustainably-harvested, and wont contribute to the loss of ash trees in their natural habits. In addition to this, youll want to make sure that any ash furniture you purchase is built well. Although ash wood is incredibly durable, quality craftsmanship will ensure your furniture lasts a lifetime.

Our craftsmen are true experts who honor natural ecology, and as such, our furniture is eco-friendly and comes with a lifetime quality guarantee.