AMERICAN ELM American elm is a survivor of the Dutch elm disease which devastated elm populations elsewhere in the world. LATIN NAME Ulmus rubra OTHER COMMON NAMES slippery elm, brown elm, grey elm

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

COMPARE SPECIES

American red elm trees are now naturally regenerating in some regions making supplies patchy. Distribution is widespread but trees are greatly influenced by site conditions. Trees are relatively small, often with divided trunks.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

COMPARE SPECIES

Elm from the USA is available in very limited commercial volumes and sawn lumber is produced mainly in 4/4" (25.4mm) thickness. As a result specifications and grades for export may be difficult to source on a regular basis. Veneer may also be available from specialist suppliers.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

COMPARE SPECIES

The close grain red elm may be straight or severely interlocked, with a coarse texture. The narrow sap is greyish white to light brown and the heartwood is light to dark brown in colour. Bird pecks are found in elm and are regarded as a natural characteristic and not considered a defect under NHLA Grading Rules.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The wood of red elm is moderately heavy, hard and strong. It is stiff with excellent bending and shock resistance.

0.53 Specific Gravity(12% M.C.)	5,933kg/m3 Average Weight(12% M.C.)	11% Average Volume Shrinkage(Green to 6% M.C.)
89.64MPa Modulus of Rupture	10,274MPa Modulus of Elasticity	43.85MPa Compressive strength (parallel to grain)
3,825N Hardness

Oiled / Un-Oiled Appearance

COMPARE SPECIES

PERFORMANCE

COMPARE SPECIES

● Red elm machines fairly well and it nails and screws easily. It glues well and can be sanded, stained and polished to a good finish. It dries well with minimum degrade and has little movement in performance.

● The wood is rated non-resistant to heartwood decay but is classed as permeable to preservatives.

MAIN USES

COMPARE SPECIES

American elm, when it is available is an attractive and desirable species for furniture and cabinet making and can also be used for internal joinery, flooring and panelling.

EAXMPLE OF USE