Mechanical processing of ash is easy and can be carried out with all tools. Rough-growing trunks tend to break at planed edges. Surfaces become very smooth.

The heartwood is yellowish to dark brown and resistant to fungi but not insects. The wood is not weatherproof but is very durable in water. Because of its somewhat dirty coloring, it is not very important for veneering in Europe. In southern Europe (Italy, Spain) it is more commonly used in the mass-produced furniture sector.