At Yaffle & Bosk, crafting timeless, hand-made furniture is our passion. When it comes to selecting the perfect wood for your dining table, two English hardwoods stand out in our workshop: the classic English oak (Quercus robur) and the often underrated English ash (Fraxinus excelsior). While oak has long been the traditional favourite, English ash is rapidly gaining attention—and for good reason. In this post, we explore the qualities of both woods and explain why English ash might just be the ideal choice for your next bespoke dining table.
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Splash the Cash on Ash? Why English Ash Makes the Perfect Dining Table Choice
English Oak: The Traditional Favourite
Oak’s reputation as a strong, durable, and visually striking hardwood is well-earned. Its rich, golden hues and dense grain give it an elegant, timeless appeal that’s perfect for heirloom dining tables destined to be treasured across generations. However, oak can be heavy and challenging to work with due to its density. Its bold grain may not suit every modern interior, and its substantial weight can make handling and moving a bit cumbersome.
At Yaffle & Bosk, we also recognise that the rising cost of oak isn’t just about its quality—it’s largely driven by its scarcity. High-quality English oak is becoming harder to source, meaning more time is spent selecting the best timber for our handcrafted pieces, which impacts the overall price.
English Ash: The Rising Star
English ash is a remarkable hardwood that often flies under the radar but offers many advantages—both practical and aesthetic—that make it an outstanding choice for dining tables.
Strength Meets Flexibility
Ash strikes a perfect balance between strength and flexibility, making it highly resilient to everyday use. Its natural shock resistance means ash can absorb impacts and adapt to changing conditions—ideal for homes with children or frequent gatherings. Used frequently in flooring for this reason, ash’s durability ensures your dining table remains solid and beautiful for decades.
Sleek, Subtle Beauty
Unlike oak’s bold grain, ash has a softer, more subtle grain pattern with a light, pale golden-brown hue. This understated elegance makes ash perfect for contemporary, minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Its lighter tone also brightens rooms and creates a sense of space—ideal for smaller dining areas or lighter décor schemes. It is also fab at taking paint and stains while still showing off grain and texture which opens up a world of finish possibilities.
Cost-Effective Quality
While oak often carries a premium price tag due to limited supply, ash offers exceptional quality and beauty at a more accessible price point. Choosing ash allows you to invest in a durable, handcrafted dining table without compromising on craftsmanship or style—providing outstanding value for money.
Sustainability at Heart
At Yaffle & Bosk, sustainability is core to our philosophy. Ash trees grow faster and are much more numerous than oak, making ash a more renewable, available and environmentally friendly resource. We repurpose By choosing English ash furniture, you’re supporting sustainable forestry and reducing your ecological footprint.
Why Choose English Ash for Your Dining Table?
English ash combines strength, flexibility, subtle beauty, affordability, and sustainability—making it an exceptional wood choice for handcrafted dining tables. Whether you want a sleek, modern centrepiece or a warm, inviting family table, ash offers versatility that fits a range of interior styles while standing the test of time.
While oak remains a beloved classic, English ash deserves a place in the spotlight. Visit our workshop at Yaffle & Bosk to experience firsthand the quality and character of our ash dining tables. Discover how this elegant, practical wood can transform your dining space into a warm, welcoming heart of your home.
Thinking of a new dining table? Let Yaffle & Bosk guide you to the perfect handcrafted furniture, blending heritage craftsmanship with sustainable, stunning English ash.
Visit our workshop in North Devon, browse our shop or contact us to talk about a custom piece that tells your story.
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