Ash Timber

Kiln-Dried Ash Timber: Edged and Unedged Boards, Grade Differences

Ash joinery boards are a timber product characterized by strength, ease of processing, and decorative qualities. Edged and unedged ash boards are available with the following specifications:

• thickness: 32 mm, 52 mm;
• length: 1-4.5 metres;
• width: From 20 cm;
• grade: Extra, I;
• moisture content: 8–10%.

Our managers will provide information regarding availability and current prices for both wholesale and retail buyers. They will also outline payment methods and estimated delivery times. We offer shipping across Ukraine and collection from our warehouse store in Kyiv.

Edged and Unedged Ash Boards: Grade Differences

When choosing solid Ash (edged or unedged board), the key parameter for pricing and application is the grade. This is a standardised classification that helps the craftsman understand which part of the board can be used for the “finished” product.

What determines the grade and does it affect timber strength?

It is important to understand: grade is an aesthetic, not a structural characteristic. It determines the quantity and size of natural features of the wood per linear metre. These include knots (live or dark), sapwood, colour changes (heartwood), cracks, and grain curvature.

The physical and mechanical properties (density, hardness) of Ash are the same for all grades. A 2nd grade board is just as strong and durable as Extra grade. The difference lies only in the percentage of “clean” material yield.

Extra Grade

Elite timber for premium products where a perfect surface is essential.

• Characteristics: Uniform colour and texture. Absence of knots, sapwood, cracks, and heartwood.
• Application: Front furniture facades, worktops, expensive wall panels, musical instruments, and decor elements where flawless visual characteristics are required.

1st Grade

These timber materials represent a balance between price and a high yield of clean billet.

• Characteristics: Occasional live (light) knots of small diameter (usually up to 10-15 mm), minor colour variations, and healthy sapwood are permitted.
• Application: Cabinet furniture, stairs, mouldings (skirting boards, architraves), parquet.

2nd Grade

Material with a vividly expressed natural character.

• Characteristics: The presence of a dark kernel (olive colour, characteristic of Ash), contrasting sapwood, large knots (including dark ones, provided they are not loose), and micro-cracks is permitted.
• Application: Furniture in Loft, Rustic, Eco, and Country styles, flooring with expressive texture, frame elements of upholstered furniture, and parts for painting.

Edged or Unedged Ash Board?

Ash is a hard, viscous, and aesthetically attractive wood. For joinery tasks, Ash Timber is used in two main formats: edged and unedged. Understanding the difference between them will help optimise your budget and production process.

Edged Ash Board

This is timber where the bark and wane have been removed from the side edges. The sawn product has a correct rectangular shape along its entire length. The width is fixed or varies within clear limits, and the edges are even.

The main advantage is time savings. The material is practically ready for cutting, gluing, and milling. You do not spend equipment resources on removing bark.

Optimal for serial production and standard joinery tasks. Suitable for:

• Manufacturing furniture panels;
• Production of stairs, window sills, worktops;
• Mouldings (skirting boards, architraves, cladding);
• Furniture frames and load-bearing structures.

Edged boards minimise waste in the workshop and significantly speed up the workflow, as they do not require preliminary edge jointing.

Unedged Ash Board

This is a board where the side edges retain the bark and natural shape. The width of the board can change from one end to the other.

The main advantage: maximum preservation of the tree’s natural beauty and a lower cost per cubic metre compared to edged board.

The choice of craftsmen working with exclusive items or having a full timber processing cycle. Used for:

• “Live Edge” style products. Worktops, bar counters, and shelves where preserving the natural edge with bark is important.
• Complex curved details. When a craftsman needs to cut specific shapes manually, and a rectangular billet is not mandatory.
• Budget optimisation. If you have the necessary equipment (planers and thicknessers), buying unedged board and processing it yourself will be cheaper.

Thanks to its lower cost per cubic metre and the capability for in-house cutting, this timber provides flexibility when working with curved parts and helps to optimise budgets. It is a cost-effective solution for craftsmen who have the necessary equipment and aim to highlight the raw, natural beauty of the wood.

Areas of Application for Ash Board

Due to its strength, wear resistance, and high aesthetic indicators, Ash and its timber are used in various production spheres. Specifically, the wood is actively applied to create items for residential and public interiors.

Characteristics of Solid Ash

Master cabinetmakers note the high aesthetic qualities of solid Ash. The timber features a distinct pattern that fits seamlessly into dozens of modern and classical design directions.

In addition to its pleasing appearance, Ash Timber is a durable material used for centuries to create household objects. Wooden products resistant to mechanical impact serve for years when properly processed and maintained.

Ash belongs to the hardwood category: 4 on the Brinell scale, with an average density of 670 kg/m³. The timber has straight grain. The central and side parts usually do not differ in colour.

Ash timber is commonly found in grey, yellowish, whitish, and reddish tones. Signs of high-quality material include a pattern with noticeable wavy lines of light brown shades. The wood may darken slightly over time.

Operational parameters of Ash tree:

1. Strength. With proper processing, products made from solid Ash boards serve for decades. The material retains a stable shape and withstands operational loads.
2. Elasticity. Compared to other timber species, Ash is flexible. Thanks to this quality, the lumber is used to manufacture bent elements for armchairs, sofas, other furniture, and various decor items.
3. Workability. The wood is amenable to sawing, sanding, polishing, and further decorative processing. The smooth surface absorbs stain excellently and is easily covered with paints and varnishes.

How to Buy Ash Board: Three Convenient Options

We have structured our sales system so that the purchasing process is comfortable in any format: from a personal visit to the warehouse to a fully remote order.

1. Selection at the warehouse. By visiting our warehouse in Kyiv, you can view the Ash Board in person, evaluate the wood shade and texture expressiveness, and select the required grade. The warehouse is located at: 7d Zdolbunivska St, access from 17e Dniprovska Embankment.
2. Remote consultation. If visiting is not possible, you can select timber remotely. Simply contact our specialist at +380 (67) 180-38-13 — calls, Viber, and Telegram are available. The manager will help you choose edged or unedged Ash board, calculate the cost per piece, and recommend the optimal grade for your task.
3. Online order via the website. You can make a purchase directly in the online shop by adding the necessary items to your basket. Before dispatch, we send real photos of the specific boards being prepared for shipment, so you see the chosen material in advance.

Delivery across Ukraine is carried out by transport companies. Please note: Shipment of timber to carriers is possible only after 100% prepayment.