Allen American Elm
From a neighbor’s inventory nearly shredded, Allen Elm carries its story forward.
The Story
I first met Mr. Allen through a mutual friend who thought we should connect. Until that day, we were strangers. In his shop, I learned that he was living with Parkinson’s and had reached a point where woodworking was no longer possible. Over the years, though, he had built up a careful collection of unique hardwoods — boards saved from projects, trades, and travels — and he wanted them to be used rather than gather dust.
Sorting through his inventory felt like stepping into another craftsman’s timeline. Every board had been chosen with intention, a reflection of his love for the craft. Among them, this American Elm stood out for its warm color and tight grain — a rare survivor of a species that once shaded streets across America. To me, it carries not just the story of the tree, but the care and stewardship of the man who saved it.
About the Tree
American Elm (Ulmus americana) was once known as the “tree of Main Street.” Its tall, vase-shaped crown lined avenues and shaded public squares across much of the U.S. before Dutch Elm Disease reshaped the landscape in the 20th century.
At maturity, these trees often reached 60 to 80 feet tall, with canopies arching like cathedrals over streets and campuses. Their presence made them both practical shade trees and enduring symbols of community and resilience.
About the Wood
The wood of American Elm carries the same strength and resilience that made the tree beloved. Its heartwood ranges from light to medium brown, often marked by interlocked or wavy grain. When quarter-sawn, elm can reveal a ribbon-like figure that brings unexpected character to the board.
Elm has long been valued for its toughness. It bends without breaking, resists splitting, and holds fast under stress — qualities that once made it indispensable for wagon hubs, chair seats, hockey sticks, and tool handles. At the same time, its tone and grain lend warmth and beauty to furniture and architectural millwork.
For today’s craftsman, Allen American Elm offers both story and substance: wood that reflects endurance, versatility, and a quiet elegance in its figure.
Why It Matters
Every board of Allen American Elm carries more than the story of a tree. It carries the care of Mr. Allen, who saved it for years, and the chance to give it new life in my shop. That’s the essence of reclaimed wood — honoring the people and places tied to the lumber while crafting something built to last.
American Elm itself is a survivor, once the defining shade tree of American streets before disease thinned its numbers. Paired with Mr. Allen’s stewardship, this wood becomes more than material — it becomes a bridge between what was and what can still be.
Made from Allen American Elm
Small charcuterie board in Allen American Elm, designed with a thumb hole like an artist’s palette for easy serving.
Cheese board in Allen American Elm, finished with a leather strap and hidden magnets to keep a small knife close at hand.
The boards you see above are available now — just click any photo in the gallery to learn more or make it yours.
Looking for something different? Let’s talk about custom work in this reclaimed Elm.