Elm
Ulmus americana • Eastern North America
Domestic Hardwood
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American Elm is a tough, durable hardwood known for its interlocking grain and excellent bending properties. While less common due to Dutch Elm disease, it remains valued for furniture and specialized applications.
Janka Hardness
830
Density
35 lbs/ft³
Moisture
10-12%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class B - 10-12 years
Price Range
$$
Appearance
Light to medium reddish-brown
Key Characteristics
- •Interlocking grain
- •Excellent bending strength
- •Good shock resistance
- •Moderate hardness
- •Distinctive cathedral patterns
- •Difficult to split
Common Applications
- •Furniture
- •Bent wood applications
- •Hockey sticks
- •Barrels and kegs
- •Veneer
- •Flooring
Maintenance Requirements
Moderate maintenance. Not suitable for outdoor use. Regular care needed to preserve appearance.
Advantages
- Excellent for steam bending
- Superior shock resistance
- Beautiful grain patterns
- Good dimensional stability
- Resists splitting
- Strong and durable
Considerations
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Limited availability
- Can be difficult to work
- Interlocking grain challenges planing
- Susceptible to Dutch Elm disease
- May have odor when wet