Ash has a generally creamy sapwood with light tan to relatively brown heart wood. It shows a typical grain pattern for righ porous wood with coarse early wood and smooth late wood. Figure may be present and can be intense.

The Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) core is made in a production process similar to Particleboard (PBC) except that all of wood particles are small and uniform like sawdust. MDF offers great stability and is the least likely to react when subjected to a measurable change in temperature or humidity. It offers a very smooth, void-free surface for veneer faces.

MDF has greater strength and screw holding properties than particleboard and weighs around 100 lbs per 3/4-inch panel. It is used in cabinets, furniture, fixtures and molding and is highly recommended for thin panel applications such as door inserts for cabinets and paneling.4 x 8 Ash plywood panelPlain slice: Cutting logs in half lengthwise, then slicing the halves lengthwise produces a veneer with a unique grain pattern