Elm
Ulmus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable, susceptible to rot and insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy grain with a prominent knot and swirling cathedral pattern around the knot structure.
Color & Appearance
Light brown to grayish-brown heartwood with distinct lighter yellowish-white to pale sapwood, moderate luster.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable, susceptible to rot and insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 dollars per board foot for live edge slabs
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated recently harvested to a few years old based on clean, unweathered freshly cut or planed appearance.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red list as threatened globally, though American Elm populations have been heavily impacted by Dutch elm disease.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boxes, crates, and wood bending applications.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to interlocked grain which causes tearout; excellent steam bending properties; holds screws and nails well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, but requires careful sanding to manage the interlocked grain; compatible with oils, lacquers, and polyurethane.
Notable Features
Interlocked grain makes it exceptionally resistant to splitting, historically used for wheel hubs and hockey sticks.
