Burl Elm (with Oak border)
Ulmus spp. (border: Quercus spp.) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Asia, depending on the specific elm species used)
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium, depending on exact elm species)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Non-durable (elm heartwood generally has fair decay resistance but is susceptible to insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Highly figured burl pattern with swirling, chaotic eyes and clusters, paired with a straight quarter-sawn/rift-sawn oak veneer border featuring prominent medullary rays.
Color & Appearance
Warm golden brown to medium brown with darker brown to nearly black accents in the burl eyes and pores. The oak border shows golden-tan tones with dark pore lines. Exhibits moderate luster and deep chatoyance due to the burl figure, darkening gracefully with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium, depending on exact elm species)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Non-durable (elm heartwood generally has fair decay resistance but is susceptible to insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 15 to 40 dollars per square foot for figured burl veneer sheets
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 50 to 90 years old, consistent with mid-20th-century or art deco revival marquetry/parquetry furniture styles.
- Sustainability Status
- Varies by species; many native elms have faced severe population declines due to Dutch elm disease, though plantation and sustainable sources exist.
Common Uses
High-end decorative veneer, fine furniture inlays and tabletops, cabinetry, turned objects, and specialty woodworking.
Geographic Origin
Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Asia, depending on the specific elm species used)
Workability
Elm burl is notoriously challenging to work with hand tools due to its interlocking, swirling grain which causes severe tearout. Requires extremely sharp blades, careful scraping, and sanding rather than planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or conversion varnish work exceptionally well to protect and enhance the depth of the burl figure. Multiple thin sprayed coats with light sanding between layers yield the best results.
Notable Features
Exhibits stunning, intricate burl cluster formations with distinctive dark pin-knots and eyes. Elm is generally tough and resilient with an interlocking grain structure.
