Grey Elm Wood Guide 2026
Ulmus americana or glabra
Typically described as tough American or European elm variant
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 37 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Common uses include Furniture, Decorative veneer, Paneling
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Coarse and uneven with interlocking grain.
Workability: Fairly easy to machine but prone to fuzzy grain.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Stains and glues well but requires pore filler for smooth surfaces.
Color change: Very little color change over time.
Insect resistance: Susceptible to beetle attack.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Grey Elm. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches. | Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches. | Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches. | Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches. | Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths typically 6 to 12 feet.
Availability notes: Available from specialized regional hardwood suppliers.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Reddish brown; coarse
Grain: Interlocked
Common Uses
- Furniture
- Decorative veneer
- Paneling
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Gray Elm;Soft Elm
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 830 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Grey Elm is unavailable or over budget.
- White Elm
- Rock Elm
- Hackberry880 lbf Janka
Related Species
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