Wood You Know Series - Elm

Various woods bring different looks and strengths to fine furniture. One wood that was frequently favored in furniture made up to the mid-20^th century is elm. By nature, the wood has a durable interlocking grain, which helps make it very tough. The spread of Dutch elm disease in North America made the wood less available than in the past.

Historical Uses of Elm Wood

Because of its strong grain, elm got used for coffins, the seats of chairs, and even for wagon wheel hubs. The wood has been valued around the world for its durability and resistance to splitting. In Japan, wood from older, larger elm trees when making Taiko drums. Because the wood resists splitting, it is possible to tightly nail down the skins for the drumheads. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the straight grain made the wood valuable for longbows if yew was not available. Elm is also resistant to decay when it is permanently wet, which is why it was used for the piers of the original London Bridge.

Elm In Furniture

You may be able to find elm in use for veneers for surfaces and paneling. Furniture makers also make use of the rugged durability of elm for hidden parts of the pieces, such as in the frames, legs and backs of chairs and sofas. The beauty of the wood does also make it popular for visible features as well.

Selecting fine furniture should begin with finding a piece that appeals to you. No particular style is a better choice than any other if it doesn’t please you. When you want to find a considered selection of handsome furniture, visit Terra Nova Designs and check out our pieces. Our collection has been carefully chosen piece by piece, so we may have something that will be absolutely right for you.