The advantage of reclaimed ash flooring is that it is a subtly different from new ash flooring. Reclaimed ash flooring has a deeper yellow/gold undertone.



Ash tends to shrink and warp significantly, especially when it is new. Ash can expand 7mm per square meter. Compare this to oak which only moves 3mm per square meter. This means it is vitally important to kiln dry ash flooring. Reclaimed ash flooring is more stable than new ash flooring because it has been kiln dried twice and has gained a greater stability over time because all the excess moisture has long since evaporated.



Ash is a very useful wood which is used not only for flooring but also for making tool handles, baseball bats and cricket bats. This is because ash is shock resistant. This high shock resistance makes the wood ‘elastic’. Thus, ash is an ideal material for a sport’s bat. This elastic property of ash is also useful for flooring. It makes ash flooring strong and hard and able to deal with the impact of pots and pans hitting the floor. This means reclaimed ash flooring is ideal for kitchens or children’s playrooms.



Another advantage of reclaimed hardwood flooring is that it is very hard. The Janka Hardness Rating of ash is 1,320 pounds force. Ash is harder than white oak and slightly less hard than red oak. It is a dense wood (20% of 670 kg/m3) as well. And finally, although ash has a low ground resistance and rots quickly if left outside, inside ash resists water well and is more suitable than other hardwoods for use in the kitchen and bathroom.



Ash is great to work with. It cuts easily, finishes well, is easy to stain and can take a high polish. Furthermore ash flooring is easy to install. It can be installed by glue or nail or in a floating installation. The elastic quality of ash makes it a good choice of flooring for homes with radiant heat.



Ash flooring with proper maintenance can last over 100 years.

