Lumber prices / American Elm
American Elm Price per Board Foot
Elm has an interlocked grain that refuses to split, which is exactly why chairmakers use it for seats and wheelwrights used it for hubs. Dutch elm disease made large clear boards scarce, so most of what is sold now comes from salvage.
Typical price per board foot$4 – $8
TypeHardwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)35 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.9 lb
Janka hardness830 lbf
Common usesChair seats, bowls, butcher blocks, boatbuilding
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $4 to $8 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $16 – $32 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $43 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $43 |
To price a full order, put $6 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does american elm cost per board foot?
- American Elm commonly runs about $4 to $8 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does american elm weigh?
- About 2.9 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 35 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is american elm a hardwood or a softwood?
- American Elm is a hardwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 830 lbf.