Name European Elm (Ulmus spp.)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Includes English elm, smooth-leaved (French or Flemish) elm, Dutch elm and wych or Scotch elm.
Sources Occurs in temperate regions of Europe and western Asia.
Appearance Typically cross grained with dull brown heartwood (often with reddish tinge) and pale sapwood.
Physical Props Moderately heavy and hard with low stiffness, shock resistance and bending strength. Steam-bends very well. Low decay resistance and medium movement in use.
Working Props Can be difficult to work in that wild grain can tear or cause binding. Glues, screws, nails and finishes satisfactorily.
Uses Used for flooring, farm implements, chair seats, bent parts, ship building, sports equipment, turned items, cabinets, caskets, decorative veneers, paneling and chopping blocks.

Back

Name Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasii)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as hard elm, cork elm and hickory elm.
Sources Grows in eastern half of United States and southern Canada.
Appearance Straight or interlocked grain with a coarse texture. Light brown to brown heartwood, usually with a reddish tinge, and light brown to brown sapwood.
Physical Props Heavy, hard, tough, difficult to split, wear and shock resistant. Low decay resistance and moderate dimensional stability. Steam-bends very well.
Working Props Works with some difficulty - hardness tends to dull cutting edges. Finishes reasonably well. Glues, screws and nails satisfactorily.
Uses Uses are similar to those of American and slippery elm but it is better suited to applications requiring hardness and greater strength. This includes farm vehicles, machinery parts, skids, cooperage, wheels and millwork.

Back

Name Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as red elm, gray elm, soft elm and moose elm.
Sources Grows in eastern half of United States and southern Canada.
Appearance Straight or interlocked grain with a coarse texture. Dark reddish brown heartwood, frequently with red shades, and grayish white to light brown sapwood.
Physical Props Moderately heavy, hard, tough, difficult to split, shock and wear resistant. Steam-bends very well.
Working Props Works with some difficulty - dulls cutting edges, often produces fuzzy surfaces, and wild grain presents problems when planing. Finishes reasonably well.
Uses Uses include wheel hubs, railroad ties, ship-building, fenceposts, sills, boxes, crates, pallets, cooperage, decorative plywood and veneer, farm vehicles, food containers, baskets, and interior trim. Often sold with American elm as one species.

Back