Elm Flooring
Local elm timber for flooring
Elm is not as durable as Oak or Chestnut but it is still fairly dense and strong making it suitable as a floor. It has more of a dull grey brown colouring with some contrasting sap and a very distinctive and varied, coarse grain. Irregular growth rings, crossgrain, pippy knots and burr contribute to make Elm boards very interesting and attractive and they really come to life when oiled or finished.
As with Chestnut, Elm as flooring is unlikely to be available in different grades although self selection of timber would allow you to pick and choose your boards to your own requirements.
Elm is a distinctive timber for a bespoke floor project and, as with the other species, the dimensions available will set a homegrown floor apart from a typical off-the-peg product. The available dimensions are relative to the size of logs which make up the raw materials. This can mean lengths up to 4.0 or 5.0m and widths up to 400 or 450mm although the final product always depends on the specification required.
The Elm can be supplied in T&T boards for you to work yourself, alternatively we can cts or fully machine up boards to be sq/e, rebated or have T&G sides.
The Elm will be dried to 10-12% moisture content but then, depending on storage conditions, can pick up moisture to 16-18%. This has to be factored in to the production and installation of a bespoke floor. Elm has medium moisture movement. The main consideration being shrinkage/expansion post installation, both of which would depend on site conditions, use of the space, methods of fixing etc. As a point of reference the rule of thumb for moisture movement in Elm is (awaiting insert)
As always, each case is different, and we are happy to discuss requirements should you have any questions. The links below may be useful for information.
