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American Elm

Ulmus americana

Also known as: White Elm, Water Elm, Soft Elm

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

American Elm wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
830 lbf (3,692 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
545 kg/m³ (34 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.5
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes with attractive figure
Texture
Coarse
Durability
Non-durable to moderately durable; susceptible to decay
Region
North America
Sustainability
Restricted — Vulnerable - devastated by Dutch elm disease; check availability

Overview

American Elm was once the iconic street tree of North America, valued for its vase-shaped canopy and the wood exceptional steam-bending properties. Dutch elm disease devastated populations; the wood remains prized for bent furniture parts and hockey sticks.

Heartwood is light brown to reddish-brown. Sapwood is pale cream to grayish-brown. Density averages 545 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 830 lbf. Coarse texture with interlocked grain. Interlocking grain resists splitting.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Moderate - interlocked grain

Gluing

Good with proper preparation

Finishing

Good - takes stain and finish well

Steam Bending

Excellent - one of the best woods for steam bending

Scent

Mild, not distinctive when worked

Assessment

Strengths

  • Excellent bending
  • Interlocking grain resists splitting
  • Historically important

Weaknesses

  • Dutch elm disease
  • Interlocked grain
  • Variable availability

Common Uses

Bent parts · Crates · Barrels · Furniture · Coffins · Hockey sticks