Collection: Mountain Ash Timber

Appearance

Mountain Ash is typically pale brown, with hues ranging from pinkish to straw-like tones. Its heartwood is similar in appearance to Alpine Ash, while the sapwood, typically between 25–50mm in width, may not be clearly distinguishable. The timber has a moderately coarse texture with a straight grain, though occasional waviness can create a desirable "fiddleback" effect near the butt. Conspicuous growth rings and gum veins are common, adding character to this elegant timber. Additionally, a pale walnut tone can be achieved by steaming it with ammonia, giving Mountain Ash an added versatility in appearance.

Common Applications

Though a non-durable hardwood, Mountain Ash is highly valued for protected structural applications and interior uses. It serves well for timber framing, flooring, furniture, and premium joinery. Mountain Ash is also frequently used for mouldings, weatherboards, handles, cooperage, plywood manufacturing, and even as paper pulp, making it suitable for diverse construction and design projects.

Workability

Mountain Ash is known for its stability and strength, offering good workability for many applications. It bends well, glues effectively, and displays excellent dimensional stability post-kiln drying, with minimal shrinkage. However, care must be taken during drying, as it is prone to collapse, internal checking, and surface checking on the tangential surface. To ensure the best quality, logs are often quarter-cut, enhancing stability and maintaining structural integrity. Reconditioning is a standard practice to deliver optimal results.

Origin and Availability

Kosny Timber sources Mountain Ash primarily from the native forests of Tasmania and Victoria, where it is readily available. It is sometimes combined with Alpine Ash and Messmate for sale across Australia under the Tasmanian Oak or Victorian Ash trade names, with proportions varying based on specific supply.

Sustainable Sourcing

At Kosny Timber, we are committed to sourcing Mountain Ash from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that this remarkable timber remains available for future generations while meeting the high standards our clients expect.