Elm
Color Range
The heartwood typically ranges from a light to medium reddish-brown, while the sapwood is a well-defined pale white to yellowish-tan.
Grain
Elm is famous for its interlocked grain, where wood fibers reverse direction as the tree grows. This creates striking, "feathered" patterns and bold swirls that stand out under a finish.
Texture
It has an open-pore structure and a coarse, uneven texture similar to ash or oak.
Other Names
Other names here.
Typical Uses
Seating: Highly valued for chair seats, backs, and frames, particularly in Windsor- style chairs where strength in thin, bent parts is critical. High-Impact Items: Used for butcher blocks, cutting boards, hockey sticks, and tool handles because it won't shatter under pressure. Historical Infrastructure: Traditionally used for underground water pipes and boat planking due to its remarkable durability when kept continuously wet. Decorative Slabs: Live edge elm slabs are popular for statement tabletops and rustic furniture due to their wild, high-character grain.
Weight
3.17
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lbs /Bd. Ft. | -11.45% lighter than red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness
860
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Janka Rating | -33.33% softer than red oak (1290 psi)
Density
.48
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Specific Gravity | -25.00% less dense than red oak (.64)
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Stability: It has poor dimensional stability and a marked tendency to warp, twist, or shrink significantly during the drying process, requiring careful seasoning and storage.
Workability / Finishing
Resistance to Splitting: Due to its interlocked grain, elm is notoriously difficult to split, making it ideal for items that endure heavy impact or structural stress. Steam Bending: Elm is one of the premier woods for steam-bending, as it becomes highly pliable when heated and holds its shape exceptionally well once dried. Machining Challenges: The interlocked grain can cause "tearout" or fuzzy surfaces if tools are not razor-sharp. Power tools are generally recommended over hand tools for cleaner results.