AMERICAN GREY ELM: B
As illustrated in the samples, sapwood can be very evident in this species and is classed as no defect, even if the board is all sapwood as sample C.

Production: S/E.

Ulmus americana
Family: Ulmaceae

Other names: American Elm (in part) (Canada and USA); White Elm,
Soft Elm, Water Elm, Swamp Elm (USA); Orthamwood (Canada).

Distribution: Canada and USA.

General description: The heartwood is medium reddish-brown in colour. The grain is usually straight but sometimes interlocked, the texture is coarse and rather woolly. Weight about 560 kg/m3 (35 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.56.

Mechanical properties: The wood has medium density, and medium bending and crushing strengths, very low stiffness and high resistance to shock loads. It has a very good steam bending classification.

Seasoning: Dries readily with medium degrade and movement in service.

Working properties: It is fairly easy to work if cutting edges are kept sharp, and there is a moderate blunting effect on tools. Nails and screws well, and takes glue, stain and polish.

Durability: Trees and logs are liable to attack by forest longhorn beetle and the heartwood is non-durable. The heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment but the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: It is used in boat and shipbuilding for keels, gunwales, bilge stringers and in dock and harbour work for fenders and running strips. Agricultural implements, chair rockers, gymnasium equipment, vehicle bodywork, ladder rungs, sleigh runners, staves and hoops for slack cooperage, coffins, church pews, furniture, chairs and cheese boxes. Generally, Grey Elm is used for many of the same purposes as Red Elm, provided that slightly lower strength
properties are taken into account.

JBT Comments: Grey Elm is softer in texture with a milder grain than Red Elm making it easier to work. Not readily available in the UK as purchases are normally made against specific orders.

Grade: Shipments normally include a percentage of Export Grade 80% FAS 20% FAS IF and No 1 common stock.

Specification: Square edge; 8ft and longer. 5ins and wider allowing up to 15% 6ft/7ft and/or 4ins.

Stockholding: Normally purchased from America against specific orders. Minimum quantity 1,000 cubic feet. Thicknesses available 1in to 2ins. Available 6/8 weeks from order.