What Does An Elm Look Like? (Expert Tips For Woodworkers)

Let’s explore the world of elm trees, a journey that’s as timeless as the trees themselves. For woodworkers, understanding elm is more than just knowing what it looks like; it’s about appreciating its unique properties and how those properties translate into beautiful, durable, and sometimes challenging, woodworking projects. My experiences with elm have ranged from felling towering specimens to crafting delicate furniture, and I’ve learned to respect this wood for its character and versatility. This guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge to identify elm, understand its properties, and work with it effectively, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.

Identifying Elm: A Woodworker’s Guide

Elm isn’t just one tree; it’s a family, and each species has its nuances. Knowing how to spot the key characteristics is crucial for any woodworker.

Visual Identification

Bark: The bark is one of the first clues. Elm bark is typically deeply furrowed and ridged, with an interlocking pattern. The color varies depending on the species, but it generally ranges from grayish-brown to dark brown. American elm, for instance, often has a more consistent, almost corky texture compared to the rougher bark of slippery elm.
Leaves: Elm leaves are alternate, meaning they don’t grow directly opposite each other on the branch. They are typically oval-shaped with a pointed tip and have distinctive, doubly serrated edges (meaning the edges have small teeth, and those teeth have even smaller teeth). A key feature is their asymmetrical base – one side of the leaf base is slightly larger or more rounded than the other. This asymmetry is a reliable indicator of elm.
Branching Pattern: Elm trees often exhibit a vase-like or umbrella-shaped branching pattern, especially American elm. The branches tend to arch upwards and outwards, creating a distinctive silhouette against the sky.
Wood Grain: Elm wood has a distinctive, interlocked grain. This means the grain fibers run in different directions, creating a visually interesting pattern. This interlocked grain is what gives elm its strength, but it can also make it challenging to work with. The color ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, with a slightly coarser texture compared to woods like maple or cherry.
Smell: While not always reliable, freshly cut elm has a slightly sour or pungent odor. This is more noticeable when working with green wood.

Key Differences Between Elm Species

American Elm (Ulmus americana): Known for its classic vase shape, deeply furrowed bark, and relatively consistent grain. It’s generally easier to split than other elms, but still requires technique.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra): Also known as red elm, it has a slightly reddish hue to the wood and a more mucilaginous inner bark (hence the name “slippery”). The bark is rougher than American elm. I’ve found slippery elm to be slightly tougher to work with due to its more pronounced interlocked grain.
Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasii): This is the hardest and densest of the elms. It has a tighter grain and is incredibly strong. Rock elm is prized for applications requiring high impact resistance, but it’s also the most challenging to machine.
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata): Distinguishable by the corky “wings” that grow along its twigs and branches. The wood is similar to other elms but often smaller in diameter.

Tools for Identification

Hand Lens: A hand lens is invaluable for examining the leaf edges and bark texture in detail.
Field Guides: A good tree identification field guide specific to your region is essential. Look for guides that include detailed descriptions and illustrations of elm species.
Smartphone Apps: There are several tree identification apps available that can help you identify elm based on photos of the leaves, bark, or overall tree shape.
Moisture Meter: Moisture meters can measure the moisture content of wood, which can be important for determining how dry the wood is before using it for woodworking projects.

Case Study: Identifying Elm in a Mixed Hardwood Stand

I once had a project where I needed to source a specific quantity of American elm for a furniture commission. The timber stand was a mix of oak, maple, and various elm species. Using the techniques above, I was able to identify the American elm trees by their vase-like shape, consistent bark texture, and leaf asymmetry. I then used a diameter tape to estimate the board footage available from each tree before felling. This careful selection ensured that I had the right type and quantity of elm for the project.

Understanding Elm’s Properties: A Woodworker’s Perspective

Elm is a unique wood with properties that can be both advantageous and challenging for woodworkers. Understanding these properties is crucial for successful projects.

Physical Properties

Hardness: Elm is considered a moderately hard wood. It falls in the middle range of the Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to indentation. American elm typically has a Janka hardness of around 830 lbf (pounds-force), while rock elm is significantly harder, closer to 1500 lbf.
Density: Elm is a moderately dense wood, typically weighing around 35-45 pounds per cubic foot when dry. Rock elm is again the exception, being denser.
Strength: Elm is known for its excellent bending strength and shock resistance. This is due to its interlocked grain. It’s less strong in compression and stiffness compared to some other hardwoods like oak or maple.
Workability: This is where elm can be tricky. Its interlocked grain makes it prone to tear-out during planing and shaping. Sharp tools and careful techniques are essential. I’ve found that a lower cutting angle on my planes helps minimize tear-out.
Durability: Elm is moderately durable in outdoor applications, especially when treated. However, it is susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture for extended periods.
Stability: Elm is moderately stable, meaning it doesn’t shrink or swell excessively with changes in humidity. However, it’s still important to allow elm to acclimate to its environment before using it in projects.

Grain and Texture

Interlocked Grain: This is the defining characteristic of elm. The grain fibers run in different directions, creating a swirling or wavy pattern. This interlocked grain is what gives elm its strength and shock resistance, but it also makes it challenging to work with.
Texture: Elm has a medium to coarse texture. The pores are relatively large and open, which can make it difficult to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Filling the pores with a grain filler can help.
Color: The heartwood of elm ranges from light brown to reddish-brown. The sapwood is typically lighter in color. The color can vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

Drying and Seasoning

Drying Rate: Elm dries relatively slowly and is prone to warping and checking (cracking) if dried too quickly. Proper stacking and air circulation are essential.
Moisture Content: The ideal moisture content for woodworking is typically between 6% and 8%. Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of your elm as it dries.
Air Drying: Air drying is the traditional method of drying lumber. Stack the elm boards with stickers (thin strips of wood) between each layer to allow for air circulation. Protect the stack from direct sunlight and rain. Air drying can take several months or even years, depending on the thickness of the boards and the climate.
Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method of drying lumber. The elm boards are placed in a kiln, where the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. Kiln drying can dry lumber in a matter of weeks, but it can also be more expensive than air drying.

Case Study: Drying Elm Slabs for a Tabletop

I once salvaged a large American elm tree that had been felled due to Dutch elm disease. I had the tree sawn into thick slabs, intending to use them for a large dining table. Knowing that elm is prone to warping, I took extra care in the drying process. I stacked the slabs with thick stickers, ensuring good air circulation. I also weighed down the top layer of slabs to help prevent cupping. Even with these precautions, some warping occurred, but I was able to flatten the slabs using a router sled before finishing them. The resulting table is a stunning testament to the beauty and durability of elm.

Working with Elm: Techniques and Tips

Elm presents unique challenges and opportunities in woodworking. Here’s how to approach it.

Milling Elm

Sharp Tools: Sharp tools are essential for working with elm. Dull tools will only exacerbate the tendency for tear-out. Sharpen your plane blades, chisels, and saw blades regularly.
Low Cutting Angles: Using a low cutting angle on your planes can help minimize tear-out. Try using a block plane or a low-angle jack plane.
Climb Cutting: In some cases, climb cutting (cutting against the grain) can help prevent tear-out. However, be careful when climb cutting, as it can be dangerous if the tool catches.
Power Tools: Power tools can be used to mill elm, but be careful to avoid tear-out. Use sharp blades and take light cuts. A spiral cutterhead planer can significantly reduce tear-out.
Sawing: Elm can be difficult to saw, especially when green. Use a sharp saw blade with a low tooth count. A bandsaw is often the best choice for sawing elm.
Planing: Elm’s interlocked grain makes planing challenging. Use a sharp plane with a low cutting angle. Consider using a card scraper to smooth the surface after planing.

Joinery

Strong Joints: Elm’s strength and shock resistance make it a good choice for joinery. However, its interlocked grain can make it difficult to create precise joints.
Mortise and Tenon Joints: Mortise and tenon joints are a strong and reliable choice for joining elm. Use a sharp chisel to create the mortise and tenon.
Dovetail Joints: Dovetail joints can be challenging to cut in elm due to its interlocked grain. However, they can be very strong and attractive.
Screw Joints: Screws can be used to join elm, but be sure to use pilot holes to prevent splitting.
Glue Joints: Elm glues well with most common wood glues. However, be sure to clean the surface thoroughly before gluing.

Finishing

Pore Filling: Elm’s open pores can make it difficult to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Filling the pores with a grain filler can help.
Sanding: Sand elm carefully to avoid scratching the surface. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a finer grit.
Staining: Elm stains well, but the interlocked grain can create variations in color. Test the stain on a sample piece of elm before applying it to your project.
Sealing: Sealing elm helps to protect it from moisture and dirt. Use a high-quality sealer that is compatible with your chosen finish.
Topcoat: Apply a topcoat to protect the finish and add durability. Choose a topcoat that is appropriate for the intended use of the project.

Bending Elm

Steam Bending: Elm is an excellent wood for steam bending. The interlocked grain allows it to bend without breaking.
Soaking: Soak the elm in water for several days before steam bending. This will help to soften the wood and make it more pliable.
Steam Box: Use a steam box to heat the elm. The steam will help to soften the wood and make it easier to bend.
Form: Use a form to shape the elm as it cools. The form will help to prevent the elm from springing back to its original shape.
Drying: Allow the elm to dry completely after bending. This will help to set the shape and prevent it from warping.

Case Study: Building a Rocking Chair with Steam-Bent Elm

I once built a rocking chair using steam-bent elm for the rockers and back supports. I carefully selected straight-grained elm for these components and soaked them in water for a week before steaming. I then used a steam box to heat the elm for about an hour per inch of thickness. After steaming, I quickly bent the elm around a form and clamped it in place until it cooled and dried. The resulting rockers and back supports were strong, flexible, and beautifully shaped. The rocking chair is now a cherished heirloom in my family.

Elm in Firewood Preparation

While elm isn’t the top-rated firewood, it has its place. Its interlocked grain makes it notoriously difficult to split, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a decent source of heat.

Splitting Elm

The Challenge: Elm’s interlocked grain is what makes it so tough to split. The fibers resist separation, often leading to frustrating experiences with axes.
Axe Selection: A maul or splitting axe is essential. A maul is heavier and designed for brute force, while a splitting axe has a wedge-shaped head that helps to separate the wood fibers. I prefer a maul for larger rounds of elm.
Hydraulic Splitter: If you have a large quantity of elm to split, a hydraulic log splitter is a worthwhile investment. It can handle even the toughest elm rounds with ease. I use a 27-ton hydraulic splitter for most of my firewood processing.
Wedges: Sometimes, even a maul or splitter needs help. Steel wedges can be driven into the wood to help separate the fibers. I keep a couple of wedges on hand for particularly stubborn rounds.
Technique: The key to splitting elm is to find the weak points. Look for cracks or knots in the wood and aim your blows at those areas. Avoid trying to split the wood directly through the center, as this is where the interlocked grain is strongest.
Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood. Position yourself so that you have a clear swing path and won’t hit anything behind you. Use a chopping block to raise the wood off the ground.

Drying Elm Firewood

Seasoning: Like all firewood, elm needs to be properly seasoned (dried) before burning. This reduces the moisture content, making it easier to ignite and burn efficiently.
Stacking: Stack the elm firewood in a single row, off the ground, with good air circulation. This will help it to dry more quickly. I use pallets to keep the wood off the ground and stack the rows with a few inches of space between them.
Location: Choose a sunny and windy location for your firewood stack. This will help to evaporate the moisture from the wood.
Time: Elm typically takes at least 12-18 months to season properly. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content before burning. Firewood should have a moisture content of less than 20%.

Burning Elm

Heat Output: Elm has a moderate heat output compared to other hardwoods like oak or maple.
Smoke: Elm can produce a fair amount of smoke, especially if it’s not fully seasoned.
Coaling: Elm coals well, meaning it burns down to a bed of hot coals that can provide consistent heat for a long period.
Creosote: Burning unseasoned elm can contribute to creosote buildup in your chimney. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.

Case Study: Processing Elm Firewood After a Storm

After a severe storm, I had a large elm tree fall in my yard. Rather than paying to have it removed, I decided to process it into firewood. The tree was massive, and the rounds were incredibly difficult to split. I used my hydraulic splitter, along with wedges and a maul, to break down the wood. It was a lot of work, but the resulting firewood provided heat for my home throughout the winter. I learned firsthand the importance of proper technique and the value of having the right tools when working with elm.

Safety Considerations

Working with wood, especially elm, demands respect and a commitment to safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection when operating power tools such as chainsaws, planers, or routers.
Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and abrasions.
Dust Mask: Wear a dust mask to protect your lungs from wood dust. A respirator is recommended when working with fine dust or when applying finishes.
Steel-Toed Boots: Wear steel-toed boots to protect your feet from falling objects.

Tool Safety

Sharp Tools: Keep your tools sharp. Sharp tools are safer than dull tools because they require less force to operate.
Proper Use: Use tools only for their intended purpose.
Maintenance: Maintain your tools properly. Keep them clean and lubricated.
Guards: Never remove safety guards from power tools.
Disconnect Power: Disconnect power tools before making adjustments or changing blades.

Workshop Safety

Cleanliness: Keep your workshop clean and organized.
Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in your workshop.
Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation to remove dust and fumes.
Fire Safety: Keep a fire extinguisher in your workshop and know how to use it.
First Aid: Keep a first aid kit in your workshop and know how to use it.

Chainsaw Safety

Training: Get proper training before using a chainsaw.
PPE: Wear appropriate PPE, including a helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
Safe Cutting Techniques: Use safe cutting techniques to avoid kickback and other hazards.
Maintenance: Maintain your chainsaw properly. Keep the chain sharp and the engine tuned.
Clear Work Area: Clear the work area of obstacles before felling a tree.
Plan Escape Route: Plan an escape route in case the tree falls in an unexpected direction.

Case Study: Preventing a Chainsaw Accident

I once witnessed a near-miss chainsaw accident while working with a friend to fell an elm tree. He was cutting a large branch when the chainsaw kicked back, narrowly missing his face. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet and safety glasses, which protected him from serious injury. This incident reinforced the importance of always using proper PPE and safe cutting techniques when operating a chainsaw. I now make it a point to review safety procedures with anyone who is helping me with tree felling or firewood processing.

Strategic Insights for Woodworkers and Firewood Producers

Beyond the technical aspects, strategic thinking can significantly enhance your woodworking or firewood business.

Sustainable Sourcing

Salvaged Wood: Consider using salvaged elm wood. This can be a more sustainable option than harvesting new trees. Look for elm trees that have been felled due to disease or storm damage.
Local Sourcing: Source your elm wood locally. This reduces transportation costs and environmental impact.
Responsible Harvesting: If you are harvesting elm trees, do so responsibly. Select trees that are mature or diseased and leave younger trees to grow.

Marketing and Sales

Highlight Unique Properties: Market the unique properties of elm wood, such as its strength, shock resistance, and interlocked grain.
Value-Added Products: Create value-added products from elm wood, such as furniture, flooring, or turned items.
Online Presence: Establish an online presence to reach a wider audience. Create a website or use social media to showcase your work.
Local Markets: Sell your elm wood products at local farmers markets, craft fairs, or woodworking shows.

Cost Management

Efficient Milling: Use efficient milling techniques to minimize waste.
Bulk Purchasing: Purchase elm wood in bulk to save money.
Tool Maintenance: Maintain your tools properly to extend their lifespan and reduce repair costs.
Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient equipment and practices to reduce your energy costs.

Business Planning

Market Research: Conduct market research to identify potential customers and competitors.
Financial Planning: Develop a financial plan that includes projected revenues, expenses, and profits.
Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluate your business and look for ways to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.

Case Study: Building a Sustainable Woodworking Business with Elm

I know a woodworker who has built a successful business by specializing in elm wood furniture. He sources salvaged elm trees from local landowners and mills the wood himself. He then designs and builds unique pieces of furniture that showcase the beauty and durability of elm. He markets his furniture online and at local craft fairs. By focusing on sustainable sourcing, value-added products, and effective marketing, he has created a thriving woodworking business.

Practical Next Steps

Ready to put this knowledge into action? Here are some practical next steps you can take:

Identify Elm Trees: Go for a walk in your local area and try to identify elm trees using the techniques described in this guide.
Source Elm Wood: Contact local sawmills, lumberyards, or tree removal services to source elm wood.
Start a Small Project: Begin with a small woodworking project, such as a cutting board or a small table, to gain experience working with elm.
Experiment with Finishes: Experiment with different finishes to see how they look on elm wood.
Join a Woodworking Community: Join a local woodworking club or online forum to connect with other woodworkers and share your experiences.
Learn More: Continue to learn about elm wood and woodworking techniques by reading books, watching videos, and attending workshops.
Process Firewood: If you have access to elm trees, consider processing them into firewood for your home or to sell.
Invest in Tools: Invest in quality tools that are appropriate for working with elm wood.
Practice Safety: Always practice safety when working with wood and power tools.
Share Your Knowledge: Share your knowledge and experiences with others to help them learn about elm wood and woodworking.

Working with elm can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. By understanding its unique properties and using the right techniques, you can create beautiful and durable woodworking projects that will last for generations. So, get out there, find some elm, and start creating!