American Elm
Ulmus americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, highly spiral and twisted which makes it notoriously difficult to split, with visible growth rings on the cross-section end grain.
Color & Appearance
Light brown heartwood with distinct, lighter grayish-white to yellowish-white sapwood. Moderate natural luster with some aging to a darker brownish tone upon exposure to light and oxygen.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber, though mostly handled as local round logs or firewood due to Dutch elm disease impacts.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated between 30 to 50 years based on ring count visible on the freshly cut end grain sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, but heavily affected and decimated across its natural range by Dutch elm disease. Locally abundant in certain wild populations.
Common Uses
Bending wood for furniture ( Windsor chairs), baskets, boxes, crates, boat building (keels and planks where constantly wet), and interior paneling.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Challenging to work with hand tools due to its interlocked, twisted grain which causes heavy tearout. Excellent steam bending properties. Glues, nails, and screws moderately well, but pre-boring is recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well after careful sanding to eliminate fuzziness and tearout. Polyurethane, lacquer, or traditional oil finishes provide good results.
Notable Features
Interlocked grain provides extreme resistance to splitting, making it historically valued for hubs, wheels, and hockey sticks. Fibrous texture.
