Red Elm
Ulmus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to shock but susceptible to decay if left in contact with ground
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain pattern with prominent ring-porous cathedral arches visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Reddish-brown heartwood with lighter grayish-white sapwood, distinct color variation, moderate natural luster, darkening gracefully with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to shock but susceptible to decay if left in contact with ground
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent, around 1 to 5 years old based on modern commemorative coin integration and fresh finish
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN, widely available regionally
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, bent parts, boxes, and decorative turned items
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing; glues, finishes, and turns well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well; a clear oil or polyurethane finish highlights the rich reddish undertones and grain contrast
Notable Features
Distinctive ring-porous structure, tough and dense fibrous nature providing high resistance to splitting, excellent bending properties
