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.
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.
Hardwoods with similar hardness
American Elm rates 830 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Mahogany | 800 lbf | $12 – $20 |
| American Sycamore | 770 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| Soft Maple | 950 lbf | $3.50 – $6 |
| Black Cherry | 950 lbf | $6 – $10 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
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.