Elm's wood is light greyish brown and occasionally pink-brown. It has conspicuous growth rings much like ash. It is moderately hard, heavy, stiff and shock resistant. Though somewhat difficult to season, once it is dried, elm has excellent steam bending qualities and water resistant properties. Elm is difficult to split and work with hand tools.
Machine tools are more successful.
Elm holds nails and screws well. The supply of American elm wood is threatened by the devastating Dutch Elm tree disease which has killed hundreds of thousands of trees. But, elm lumber is still available, although at moderately high prices. It is sold as both lumber and veneer. Due to its muddy color, it is used most often as a paint grade hardwood.