Elm trees are classified as hardwoods. This classification stems from botanical characteristics rather than the wood’s physical density alone. While “hardwood” and “softwood” might suggest a direct measure of wood hardness, their primary distinction lies in the type of tree from which the wood originates.
Understanding Hardwood and Softwood
The classification of wood into hardwood and softwood is based on the botanical group of the tree. Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit or nut. Examples of common hardwoods include oak, maple, and cherry.
Softwoods, in contrast, originate from gymnosperm trees, characterized by their “naked” seeds, typically found in cones. These trees, like pines, spruces, and cedars, are often evergreen. While many hardwoods are denser than softwoods, exceptions exist. Balsa wood, for instance, is botanically a hardwood but is remarkably soft, while some softwoods like yew can be quite hard. The presence of pores or vessels in the wood under a microscope is a distinguishing anatomical feature of hardwoods.
Elm’s Place Among Hardwoods
Elm trees belong to the genus Ulmus, which are angiosperms, classifying them as hardwoods. Elm wood is recognized for its distinctive interlocked grain, making it resistant to splitting. The heartwood typically displays a light to medium reddish-brown color, with the sapwood being paler and well-defined. This interlocked grain can make the wood challenging to work with, particularly during planing, but it contributes to its toughness and resistance to shock.
Different elm species share these characteristics. Although categorized as hardwood, elm is considered a “soft hardwood” due to its Janka hardness rating, which is lower than many other hardwoods but still greater than most softwoods. Elm wood possesses good bending properties and moderate stiffness.
Practical Uses of Elm Wood
Elm wood’s unique properties have led to diverse practical applications throughout history and in modern uses. Its resistance to splitting, attributed to its interlocked grain, made it an excellent material for items requiring durability. Historically, elm was used for wagon wheel hubs, chair seats, and coffins.
Elm’s durability, particularly its resistance to decay when consistently wet, led to its use in boat building and for water pipes. Today, its appealing grain patterns and warm reddish-brown tones make it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and decorative veneers. Elm exhibits good steam bending qualities, making it suitable for curved furniture parts and tool handles.