American Elm
Ulmus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Slightly durable to non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, flat-sawn with prominent cathedral arches, offering a distinctive coarse and figured appearance.
Color & Appearance
Light brown to medium reddish-brown heartwood with a distinct lighter yellowish-white or pale sapwood. The wood darkens slightly over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly durable to non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for domestic hardwood lumber slabs, depending on width and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or relatively freshly cut live-edge slab, estimated to be under 1-5 years since processing.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, of least concern according to the IUCN, and widely available domestically.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, paneling, hardwood flooring, boxes, crates, and specialized bentwood applications due to its excellent steam-bending qualities.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Generally difficult to work with hand tools due to its heavily interlocked grain which causes tearing, but it turns, glues, and finishes well. Excellent for steam bending.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, oils, and lacquers very well. Sanding requires care to avoid swirl marks on the interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Famous for its extreme toughness and resistance to splitting, making it very difficult to split by hand. Features a ring-porous structure.
