AMERICAN RED ELM: D
Similar to our Dutch Elm but has a straighter and more uniform grain. Sapwood can be evident in much of the production.

Production: S/E.

Ulmus rubra
Family: Ulmaceae

Commercial names: Slippery Elm, Brown Elm.

Distribution: Canada and Northern USA.

General description: Reddish-brown to dark brown heartwood with greyish white to light brown narrow sapwood. The grain pattern is very conspicuous, with the annual rings distinct due to large early wood pores, giving a coarse texture to the wood. 610 kg/m3 (38lb/ft3): Specific gravity 0.53.

Mechanical properties: Medium density with medium bending and crushing strengths.

Seasoning: The material dries slowly with a tendency to distort. Medium movement in service.

Working properties: Machines well. It can be nailed, screwed and glued satisfactorily, and stained and polished to a very good finish.

Durability: The timber is non-durable and subject to insect attack; it is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, but the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: Cabinet work, Windsor chairs, turnery and more recently in high quality internal joinery.

JBT Comments: Not at present widely available in the UK, possibly due to the lack of demand. Architects and designers often have the impression that due to Dutch Elm disease, that Elm in general is unavailable. This is most certainly not the case as the stock is available in Canada and America in reasonable volumes. Darker in colour with a coarser grain than American Grey Elm.

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 but we usually have a small stock of 1in and 2ins material available.