[bobmcgov]

Ash is an open grain wood, so it will match teak fairly well for texture. Not especially rot or bug resistant. Not bad to work with; face grain planes and sands well, edge grain is a bastard for chipout.

Ash will yellow slightly with time from its 'margerine' color when fresh-milled. It has excellent surface hardness, very good strength/weight ratio, and it bends wonderfully. Takes dyes well (tho ugly under pigmented stains); good adhesion with glues and finishes. Esp. pretty with a water-based finish; oils or oil-based varnishes look too amber on ash for my tastes. If you want a smooth surface, you'll need to fill the grain before varnishing. Clear grain fillers are available.

Expect some beetle-tracking and possibly mineral stains. Normal for ash. It's a good choice.