Ash is white to brown in color. The grain is plain or fiddle back. It is strong. Wiping stains are most often used on this wood. It is best used when the strong grain pattern of the wood is complementary to the artwork presentation.
Walnut is pale to chocolate in color.
The grain varies from straight to irregular. It is a strong wood. Dye or oiled stains are most commonly used. We find that this is most often ordered by museums that are matching other frames in their collection. Basswood is creamy to white in color.