Sawn Ash Veneer

Sawn ash veneer: technical and aesthetic features, applications, where to buy

Sawn ash veneer, also known as lamella, is a natural finishing material obtained by sawing solid wood. Lamella sheets are thicker compared to sliced or rotary-cut veneer. Thanks to the manufacturing technology, they retain the colour and structure of the timber. Timber products can be ordered from 1 pack. We supply wholesale orders. Collection is available from our warehouse in Kyiv. Delivery across Ukraine via carrier companies.

Ash is considered one of the best species for lamella production due to its physical and mechanical properties. The timber combines load resistance with a distinctive grain. The popularity of sawn ash veneer in interior design and bespoke joinery is driven by several factors:

• Durability. In terms of hardness, ash is on par with oak, but it is more elastic, which is crucial for surfaces subjected to intense wear.
• Distinctive grain. Ash features a clear pattern that looks beautiful both under a clear varnish and after tinting or brushing.
• Stability. Sawn veneer is made from kiln-dried timber, making it more stable than solid wood and not prone to deformation.
• Eco-friendliness. The cladding material is made from 100% timber. The natural product is permitted for use in public, contract, and residential spaces.

By choosing ash lamella, you achieve the aesthetic of solid wood at a highly favourable price. Veneered surfaces are hard-wearing and can be readily restored.

Sawn ash veneer: available sizes

We maintain a stock of popular timber product sizes in our warehouse. From our stock programme, you can order packs of lamella:

• 2.5 mm / 4.5 mm thick;
• 12–21 cm wide;
• 0.5–3 m long.

We understand that standard timber is not suitable for all projects, so we accept requests for bespoke sawn ash veneer. Custom timber products are available for order with the following dimensions:

• 2-10 mm thick;
• 12–21 cm wide;
• 0.5–3 m long.

Bespoke production takes up to 10 working days. The minimum order volume is from 10 m² of material from a single wood species.

Grades of sawn ash veneer

When selecting lamella, one of the key criteria is its grade. This defines the quality of the face surface, determined by the presence or absence of natural features and mechanical defects. Understanding grade differences allows you to optimise your project budget without sacrificing aesthetics and reliability.

The grade does not affect the lamella’s strength: grade 3 ash is just as hard as grade 1. The difference lies solely in the visual perception and the final finishing of the material.

Applications for sawn ash lamella

Sawn lamella has become an indispensable material in interior design and furniture production. The significant sheet thickness (from 2 mm) allows the timber product to be used where standard sliced veneer would fail. The main applications for sawn ash veneer are:

• Flooring. Ash lamella is the optimal wear layer for engineered and parquet flooring. The high hardness of ash (higher than oak on the Brinell scale) guarantees resistance to dents from heels or furniture.
• Staircases. Due to its wear resistance, ash is frequently chosen for cladding internal stair treads. Lamella creates the visual effect of solid wood, while the structure remains stable, squeak-free, and resistant to deformation. The surface is finished with protective waxes or varnishes.
• Kitchen worktops and surfaces. Sawn veneer 4–5 mm thick is often used to create reliable worktops for kitchen islands, dining tables, retail counters, and bars. Treated with hardwax oil or varnish, it withstands heavy use and can be repeatedly sanded if scratched.
• Furniture fascias and internal doors. Using ash lamella for internal doors and furniture fascias yields a product indistinguishable from solid wood, yet lighter and more stable. The striking ash grain looks particularly impressive on large wardrobe and kitchen cabinet surfaces.
• Decorative wall panels and partitions. In modern interiors, ash is used for slatted partitions (baffles) and 3D wall panels. Screens and non-structural walls easily zone spaces and alter room layouts.

Using ash lamella in high-traffic areas (stairs, flooring) is a highly cost-effective solution. You acquire a reliable hardwood covering at a lower price than solid wood.

How is sawn ash veneer manufactured?

The production of sawn lamella is a complex, multi-stage process requiring modern machinery. Adhering to the technology allows solid ash to be transformed into a thin yet durable cladding material. The main stages of the production cycle are:

1. Sorting the raw material. The primary task is the careful selection of timber. Only top or first-grade boards are used for veneer processing, ensuring no critical defects in the finished product.
2. Kiln drying. Prepared workpieces are sent to drying kilns. Computerised controls achieve a stable joinery moisture content between 8–10%. This relieves internal stresses, protecting the lamella from future warping or splitting.
3. Calibration. Dry boards are adjusted to fit the saw cassette parameters. This ensures the correct alignment in the machine, which is critical for an even cut.
4. Sawing into sheets. The prepared boards are fed into Wintersteiger machines and sawn into lamellas of the specified thickness. Modern technology ensures a smooth cut and minimises precious timber waste.
5. Sorting and packaging. Each resulting sheet is checked for grade and size compliance. Lamellas are grouped, stacked in packs, and labelled. The packs are then palletised and prepared for dispatch.

Careful quality control ensures that the sawn ash veneer retains its presentable appearance and mechanical endurance for decades. Investing in correctly processed material guarantees the quality of furniture or joinery products.

Ash timber: technical and aesthetic features

Ash (Fraxinus) is one of the most valuable temperate hardwoods. Its primary distribution area covers Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. In terms of mechanical properties, ash is often compared to oak, but it significantly outperforms oak in elasticity and impact toughness.

Its Brinell hardness is 4, which is higher than oak (3.7–3.8), making ash highly resistant to dents and mechanical damage. At a standard moisture content of 12%, the average density is 680–750 kg/m³. Thanks to its high density and toughness, the timber has a low abrasion coefficient, essential for flooring and stairs.

After steam treatment, ash becomes pliable for bending. It ranks first among European species for its ability to withstand dynamic loads. The colour palette of the solid wood ranges from light straw and cream to pale brown.

The heartwood is usually light, but “olive ash” with dark streaks can also be found. The grain is pronounced, with clearly visible annual rings, and characteristic “arches” on a tangential cut. The fibres are typically straight.

Due to its high density, ash can be sanded to a mirror finish. The timber readily takes wood stains and oils. With its large pores, ash is well-suited for brushing (artificial ageing) and patination. The wood glues exceptionally well, which is vital for producing lamella and engineered flooring.

Why professionals choose WoodWay Expert for sawn ash veneer

Our team’s primary mission is to supply furniture makers, architects, designers, and craftsmen with high-quality timber materials. Over three decades, we have established stable partnerships with large furniture factories, design studios, and local workshops. Here are the key reasons why clients choose us as their supplier:

1. Stock programme. Lamellas with thicknesses of 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm are in highest demand and always in stock. Clients can visit the warehouse from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays to select and collect their packs immediately after payment.
2. Bespoke orders. We offer the production of sawn veneer to your dimensions, ranging from 2 to 10 mm thick. The cycle takes up to 10 working days, with a minimum order of just 10 m². Our specialist will quickly calculate the bespoke square metre cost.
3. Diverse range. Our catalogue features over 15 veneer types, from classic oak and ash to exotic species. We also consider producing sawn lamella from species outside our standard stock programme.
4. Flexible logistics. Customers can collect directly from our Kyiv warehouse. For regional clients, we organise prompt delivery across Ukraine via transport companies, ensuring secure timber packaging.
5. Remote selection. Provide your technical brief, and our experts will select the veneer by texture, shade, and area. You will receive detailed photos and specifications, and after final approval and full payment, the order is dispatched.
6. Payment methods. You can pay in cash (till receipt) at the warehouse. We also accept cashless payments for sole traders or limited companies (including VAT).
7. Retail and wholesale. Sawn veneer is sold in packs, with the price depending on the size and number of sheets. Cost equals price per sq.m. × (length × width × number of sheets). Wholesale deliveries are available.

We develop bespoke commercial terms for regular partners and wholesale buyers. Discount rates are calculated individually based on purchase frequency and volumes.

How to buy sawn ash veneer in Kyiv and Ukraine

• Personal warehouse visit. We invite you to visit our wholesale and retail timber base to hand-pick lamella packs. Our consultants will assist with grades and quantities, and prepare the invoice. We are located at: 7d Zdolbunivska St, Kyiv (entry via 17e Dniprovska Embankment).
• Remote selection. To order timber products, call our manager on +380 (67) 180-38-13. Telegram and Viber are also available. Simply send a request, and we will provide photos, videos, and specifications of available packs.
• Online catalogue orders. You can add items to your basket or leave a request via the contact form. A manager will call to confirm the exact square meterage and payment method, and can send photos of your dispatch-ready batch.

Our team has the expertise to successfully fulfil both small private orders and large-scale commercial deliveries. Get in touch with us today!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sawn ash veneer

Why does the price of sawn ash veneer vary by grade?

The price is based on visual characteristics. Grade 1 is more expensive as it requires knot-free timber. Grades 2 and 3 are cheaper because they permit natural features (knots, sapwood), despite matching the premium grade in physical properties.

How do I calculate the required amount of sawn ash lamella?

Since sawn veneer is sold in packs, the calculation is: Area = Length x Width x Number of sheets per pack. It is advisable to add a 10–15% allowance for trimming and pattern matching.

How does sawn ash veneer differ from sliced veneer?

Sliced veneer is typically 0.5–0.6 mm thick and is made by slicing a sheet of wood from a flitch. Lamella (sawn veneer) is produced by sawing, achieving a thickness of 2 to 10 mm. This gives the material solid wood properties: strength, longevity, and the ability to be sanded repeatedly.

Can ash lamella be used for underfloor heating?

Yes, however, for covering stability, it is highly recommended to use engineered flooring where the top layer is ash lamella. Thanks to its multi-layered structure, this effectively compensates for internal timber stresses caused by heating.

Which adhesive is best for gluing sawn veneer?

For stable results, professionals advise using polyurethane (PUR) adhesives or PVA with a D3/D4 water resistance class.

Does ash change colour over time?

Like any timber, ash is prone to slight colour changes under UV exposure. The solid wood usually becomes slightly warmer or yellowish. To preserve the original shade, use varnishes with UV filters or special oils with white pigment.

What is the minimum ash lamella thickness for stairs?

For cladding stair treads, we recommend using a lamella thickness of 4 mm to 6 mm. This provides a timber allowance for future sanding and ensures high abrasion resistance.