KEEPING THE CHARACTER: AMERICAN GOTHIC RECLAIMED ASH

08/23/2020

By Megan Avila

Each day I have the good fortune to be surrounded by the character, warmth, and comfort of wood. Flooring, paneling, my desk, built-ins, tables, and chairs. Both reclaimed and sustainable wood, in various species, all creating calming connection to the natural environment (termed Biophilia, this is being studied closely and integrated in built environments these days). I could go on about this connection, but I’d like to share one specific wood: American Gothic Reclaimed Ash.

The grain pattern is somewhat pronounced, and the natural tones are neutral, with a slight iridescence that makes for a stunning floor, wall, or countertop with just a coating of polyurethane or tung oil. (We sometimes say the grain pattern appears “flame-like”.)

Reclaimed Ash is popular with our clients for its neutral color tones, distinctive grain, and ability to fit a plethora of designs in homes and commercial settings. Perhaps one of the best points: this wood has an ability to take a finish without sacrificing its character.

While I’m partial to our American Gothic Ash in Grey (see the wall paneling in this bedroom below)…

**This New Energy Works lake home paired Reclaimed Ash paneling in Grey finish with lavender-toned accent pieces and Reclaimed Hickory flooring in the master suite. (I’m totally enamored!)**

…certainly other shades and tones are in-demand, enough so that they form our standard colors for American Gothic Ash:

Ash draws interest by its simple and modern nature. It’s rich and warm. It isn’t too red or too yellow. Its grain doesn’t get lost; rather the light color tone makes it a great base for a finish like those above or something more custom, whether colors or patterns.

**The Grey finish on American Gothic Reclaimed Ash installed in an intricate pattern enhances the swirling grain, knots, insect marks, and other signs of the wood’s previous life.**

**Chevron inspired ceiling and angled wall paneling – I wish I lived closer to this awesome butcher shop! (Those of you near Chicago, IL may recognize it…)**

**AG Reclaimed Ash with Grey finish found new life as flooring in an Oregon home allows history and celebration of wood to a contemporary design.**

The cooler tones and occasional knots, nail holes, and insect marks speak to its often storied past serving our country’s agriculture and industrial markets. To think this wood has already lived as a tree, then served a structure for many decades, and lives on again…gosh I enjoy the reuse and the history!

Reclaiming timbers from agricultural and industrial buildings can be chaotic, but rewarding. Thanks to folks like you, we can take these antique beams and craft them into new products where they can serve another purpose and be appreciated for their history and character for more years to come.

A combination of aesthetics and durability have made Ash a premier choice for high traffic areas. Outward-facing, at eye level and above, the stringers as well as treads on these stairs, celebrate the character and tones of AG Reclaimed Ash with a poly finish.

While our teams love the natural nature of wood, we’ve worked with third parties to verify “green” details of many of our products, including American Gothic Reclaimed Ash. This Ash is: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Certified, LEED point eligible, UL GREENGUARD Gold certified in unfinished engineered and engineered with a UV-nanocomposite finish.

Good for people and the planet. Thanks for joining us on the ride! Reclaimed Ash will always draw my eye. What’s your favorite species?

Reach out with questions or order a sample and experience Ash’s character.