Uncovering Hidden Beauty in Salvaged Elm Wood Slabs

The Beauty of Elm Wood

Elm wood is treasured for its distinctive grain patterns and rich coloration. Of all the elm species, the American elm (Ulmus americana) is considered one of the most beautiful. Its sweeping vase shape creates a stunning sight in parks and residential areas. When cut into lumber, elm showcases swirling grain markings and a palette of tawny browns interlaced with alluring dark contrasts.

Finding an Elm Slab

Elm trees of girth large enough to mill into slabs are increasingly rare after the devastating outbreak of Dutch elm disease in the 20th century. This makes salvaged antique elm both eco-friendly and highly prized. Luckily, the domestic American elm has made a comeback as conservationists work to breed disease-resistant varieties.

Whether you source antique or new elm, slabs cut from the butt ends of the tree offer the most mesmerizing figure and patterns. The further up the tree, the more plain-sawn the cuts become. Curating an elm slab table or bench to showcase the wood's ornate markings takes patience and a watchful eye.

Preparing an Elm Slab for Use

Once reclaimed from barns, factories or fencerows, elm slabs require significant preparation before their innate splendor shines through. Here are the basics steps:

1. Remove bark and trim away major cracks or checking.

2. Flatten one face using a jack plane or jointer.

3. Cut the slab to desired thickness with a bandsaw or jigsaw.

4. Allow to air dry slowly to prevent further cracking and splitting.

Transforming a Rough Elm Slab

With care, tools and time, a rough hewn slab will begin to reveal its hidden charisma. As you remove years of dirt, abuse and deformation, the elm's chatoyance emerges. Its pearlescent sheen results from the medullary rays reflecting light off the growth ring layers. The lively patterns dance before your eyes.

Sanding and Smoothing

Start sanding with 60-80 grit to remove deeper scratches and tool marks, then switch to 100-120 grit. For finely finished surfaces, continue sanding progressively up to 220 or 320 grit. Always sand following the direction of the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratching. Keep the surface clean and well-lit to check for areas needing more work. Use a card scraper or cabinet scraper to safely remove more material where needed without digging into the tender early wood sections.

Applying Protective Finishes

Penetrating oils like tung or boiled linseed accentuate the contrast between spring wood and summer growth rings. Wipe-on polyurethanes offer more surface protection with a warm amber cast. Water-based finishes bring out a lighter tone while allowing the wood to breathe naturally. And of course, shining coats of resin create glass-smooth surfaces that really accentuate elm's chatoyance properties.

Crafting with Elm Slabs

With proper drying and stabilization, elm's graceful workings lend themselves beautifully to furniture, flooring, architectural millwork and beyond. Choose your slab carefully to match potential function and form:

Furniture Stock

Opt for quartersawn cuts to minimize expansion and contraction that can loosen joints over time. Striking figure and coloration selections show best on tabletops, cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Use stable secondary woods for structural frames.

Flooring Planks

Look for rift-sawn or quartersawn boards with straight, regular grain lines. Prioritize stability over ornate patterns for flooring use. Allow to fully equalize moisture content before installation for best performance.

Wood Turning Blanks

Well-dried spindle blanks with precise 90 degree ends work best for wood turning projects like candlesticks, bowls and furniture parts. Position blanks intentionally to coordinate figure direction.

With smart planning and care, elm's elegance shines through beautifully no matter the application. From furniture to flooring to turnings, elm slab's stellar good looks and pleasing grain make it a go-to material for all kinds of wood crafting and carpentry projects.

FAQs

What are some common uses for elm slabs?

Elm slabs are often used to make tables, desks, countertops, benches, and shelving. The wood's eye-catching grain also makes it suitable for decorative touches like live edge trim. Elm works for flooring and architectural millwork as well.

Does elm wood move a lot?

Like most hardwoods, elm will shrink and swell according to changes in moisture and humidity. Quartersawn cuts offer the most stable option by aligning the growth rings perpendicular to the width of the board.

Is elm good for outdoor use?

While elm has good rot resistance, it's best to use a protective finish when using it outdoors. Oils, stains, varnishes and epoxy coatings help safeguard the wood from moisture damage and UV rays.

Should I fill cracks in my elm slab?

It depends on the look you prefer and how you want to use the slab. Epoxy makes a glassy, modern statement while other fillers like turquoise, gold, or colored epoxy create a naturalistic style. For counters or tables, filling helps prevent spills and crumbs from getting lodged inside cracks.

How long does it take elm wood to dry properly?

Expect one year per inch of thickness as a basic timeline. Less massive pieces may dry more quickly. You'll need to account for acclimation time as well once the slab is prepped for your climate conditions.