One common question we hear from customer about Ash wood is: Is ash a hardwood or a softwood? Spoiler alert—it’s a hardwood, and we’re here to explain why that matters, plus spotlight some of our top-selling ash products that are revolutionizing home improvement in 2025.
Understanding Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Where Does Ash Fit In?
First things first: the distinction between hardwoods and softwoods isn’t actually about how “hard” the wood feels under your thumb—it’s botanical. Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees (think broad-leaved deciduous varieties like oak, maple, and cherry), which produce seeds enclosed in fruits or flowers. Softwoods, on the other hand, hail from gymnosperm trees (mostly conifers like pine, fir, and cedar) that bear exposed seeds in cones.
Ash wood, sourced from trees in the Fraxinus genus, falls squarely into the hardwood camp. Native to North America and parts of Europe, ash trees shed their leaves annually, confirming their deciduous hardwood status.
This classification gives ash its signature traits: a light cream-to-pale-brown color, straight grain, and impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It’s denser and more durable than many softwoods, making it ideal for high-traffic applications like furniture, flooring, and—our specialty here at Advantage Lumber—exterior siding and decking.
Why does this matter for your project? Hardwoods like ash offer superior shock resistance and longevity, but they can be prone to rot and insects in outdoor settings without proper treatment. Enter thermally modified ash, our star product line that’s making waves for its eco-friendly durability. (We’ll geek out on that in a bit.)
Our Top-Selling Thermally Modified Ash Products
At Advantage Lumber, we’re proud to offer premium thermally modified ash in versatile profiles tailored for modern homes. This isn’t your grandpa’s lumber—it’s engineered for beauty, performance, and value. Here are our most popular sellers, perfect for elevating your outdoor (or indoor) spaces:
- Thermally Modified Ash Siding: Our go-to for stunning facades. Available in smooth or textured profiles, this siding delivers a sleek, modern look with tongue-and-groove, shiplap or rainscreen profiles for seamless installation. It’s lightweight yet tough, ideal for coastal homes or urban renovations.
- Thermally Modified Ash Decking: Built to withstand the elements, our decking boards feature hidden fasteners for a clean, splinter-free surface. With subtle grain patterns that age gracefully to a warm silver patina, it’s the choice for low-maintenance patios and poolside retreats.
- Thermally Modified Ash Ceiling and Soffit: Bring the outdoors in (or vice versa) with these elegant panels. Perfect for covered porches, gazebos, or interior accent walls, they offer ventilation-friendly designs that enhance airflow while adding a rustic-chic vibe.
These products are sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests and can be custom milled to whatever profile you desire. We have a large inventory in stock at our 4 factories in the USA for fast shipping to your home or job site without delaying your project.
What Is Thermally Modified Ash—and Why Is It Exploding in Popularity?
Thermally modified ash takes the best of this classic hardwood and supercharges it through a high-heat treatment process (typically 350–450°F in a low-oxygen kiln). No chemicals involved—just steam and precise temperature control to alter the wood’s cellular structure. The result? A darker, richer tone (think espresso hues), enhanced stability, and natural resistance to moisture, decay, and pests.
So, why the hype? Traditional ash is fantastic but vulnerable outdoors—untreated, it warps, molds, or attracts bugs. Thermal modification eliminates sugars that feed insects, reduces swelling/shrinking by up to 50%, and boosts rot resistance without toxic preservatives. It’s also greener: fully recyclable, zero VOC emissions, and it weathers beautifully to a low-maintenance gray. Homeowners love it for its Janka hardness (comparable to teak) paired with easy workability—no special tools required.
Historically, thermally modified ash was a luxury reserved for high-end commercial projects like resort facades or office lobbies. This was due to premium pricing from other brands touching 3 or 4 hands before it would reach the consumer.
However in 2025, Advantage Lumber changed the game by launching our exclusive in-house brand. By streamlining sourcing and production, we’ve slashed costs by 50–60% compared to competitors—without skimping on quality.
Suddenly, this pro-grade material is affordable for everyday homeowners, fueling a surge in demand. Our direct-to-consumer model cuts out the middleman, passing savings straight to you while ensuring faster shipping and expert support.
Why Choose Advantage Lumber’s Thermally Modified Ash Today?
In a world of fleeting trends, thermally modified ash offers timeless appeal: durable, beautiful, and now within reach. Whether you’re cladding a cabin or crowning a pergola, it’s the smart upgrade that pays off in longevity and curb appeal. Ready to bring it home? Browse our full selection at AdvantageLumber.com or chat with our team for custom quotes.
Got questions on installation, maintenance, or pairing with other species? Drop a comment below—we’re all ears. Happy building!