Elm Wood: Beauty, Durability, and a Story of Survival

Elm wood carries an innate strength that shows resilience and time. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, we are proud to offer this rare and striking material, reclaimed from the past and ready to shine again.

With its flowing grain patterns and warm tones, elm wood brings a natural elegance to any interior. Once a staple across North America, the elm tree has become a symbol of survival—and today, reclaimed elm tells a story of both loss and restoration.

What Makes Elm Wood Unique

Unlike most hardwoods, elm wood features a bold, interlocking grain that ripples across each plank like water in motion. This distinct texture gives elm flooring a character-rich surface that feels alive underfoot.

Its natural coloration ranges from soft honey browns to richer amber tones, often with beautiful variegation. The unique elm wood grain adds visual depth that makes even the simplest space feel artful.

Aside from its aesthetic qualities, this wonderful material mixes strong durability with a unique history that will add to the character of whichever room in which it’s deployed. We love timbers that have a good story behind them, and our reclaimed antique elm certainly passes that test.

The Durability of Elm

Historically valued for its toughness and ability to flex without cracking, elm wood was once used for wagon wheel hubs, tool handles, and even boats. That strength still holds true today, making it a reliable choice for reclaimed flooring and beams.

Because reclaimed elm often comes from old-growth stock, the tight grain and seasoned density offer unmatched performance. Whether used for high-traffic elm flooring or sturdy ceiling timbers, this wood is as functional as it is beautiful.

So if you are considering which materials to use for a more sturdy or high pressure feature, elm is an easy choice. 

A Lost Legacy: The Story of Dutch Elm Disease

The American elm tree once lined streets and shaded farmyards across the country, its broad canopy becoming a beloved part of the American landscape. But around 1930, Dutch Elm Disease arrived in the US, shipped in on logs from the Netherlands. Over the decades, it devastated elm populations across North America, and by 1990 around 75% of the American Elm population had been lost.

Caused by a fungus spread by bark beetles, Dutch Elm Disease wiped out millions of trees, leaving behind a huge void in the once vast stands that covered the Eastern half of the country. Though the American Elm population has somewhat recovered, there is still a huge lack of old growth trees.

Today, with the rarity of large, mature elm trees, reclaimed elm wood is all the more valuable if you are looking for its classic look and durability. Thanks to elm structures built before the arrival of Dutch Elm Disease, these fragments of history have been saved from disappearance.

Why Reclaimed Elm Matters Today

Reclaiming antique elm is about more than sustainability—it’s about honoring a tree that once defined so much of our built environment. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, we carefully preserve the natural grain and character of each board, ensuring that its past is part of its beauty.

Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of its tones or the swirling complexity of its texture, elm wood offers something truly special. Each piece is a reminder of nature’s resilience and the power of restoration.

Reclaimed elm is a perfect example of sustainability, acting as an artifact of a prominent resource nearly brought to extinction. As new, disease resistant American Elms are regrowing across the country, we will continue to rely on antique elm for building gorgeous and durable features.

Project Highlight: Rustic Modern Creek Residence by Sustainable 9

The Rustic Modern Creek Residence in Edina, MN is a stunning example of thoughtful design rooted in sustainability. Built by Sustainable 9 Design + Build, this home reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and environmentally responsible practices.

Throughout the home, reclaimed antique elm flooring from Manomin Resawn Timbers provides a warm, grounding presence. The natural variation of the elm wood grain—marked by flowing ribbons and subtle character knots—adds richness to the modern lines and clean architecture of the space.

This whole-house project is a perfect pairing of innovation and tradition. From the open-concept living room to the staircase and bedrooms, the elm flooring weaves a continuous thread of natural beauty that elevates every room.

Reclaimed elm wood is a fitting choice for a builder like Sustainable 9, who prioritizes renewable materials, minimal waste, and long-lasting durability. Using reclaimed materials like this doesn’t just reduce environmental impact—it tells a story of resilience and renewal, much like the elm tree itself.

Project Highlight: 25th Street South Remodel by Julkowski Inc.

Rich, moody, and full of character, the 25th Street South Remodel showcases the bold potential of reclaimed elm flooring in darker finishes. Designed by Julkowski Inc., this home balances traditional warmth with clean, timeless architecture—an ideal canvas for our medium espresso antique elm.

The floors throughout the kitchen, living room, dining area, and hallway on the main level are crafted from reclaimed antique elm, finished to a deeper tone that amplifies the grain’s natural movement. The result is a floor that feels grounded and elegant, with just the right amount of rustic depth.

Julkowski Inc. is known for building homes that prioritize both sustainability and long-term performance, making reclaimed materials a natural fit. The use of elm wood in this project not only adds visual richness, but also aligns with their commitment to building with purpose.

In this remodel, the darker tone of the elm flooring contrasts beautifully with crisp white millwork, giving each room a sense of refined coziness. It's a perfect example of how reclaimed wood can make a bold yet timeless statement.

Project Highlight: Modern Tuscan Mediterranean by Highmark Builders

In this stunning Modern Tuscan Mediterranean home by Highmark Builders, reclaimed elm wood takes center stage—not underfoot, but overhead. Rich with texture and story, the ceilings throughout the main living spaces are finished with elm wood paneling and dark-stained box beams, adding handcrafted elegance and old-world charm to the modern Mediterranean palette.

Used across the living room, bedrooms, lounge nook, and walk-out deck, the elm ceiling features bring a cohesive warmth to the home's expansive layout. The wood’s natural patina—weathered and warm—grounds the interiors in a sense of timeless authenticity, while the custom-stained box beams create a craftsman-style structure that feels both intentional and inviting.

This project beautifully illustrates how elm wood can make a bold architectural impact, even beyond the floor. The material’s texture and hue offer contrast against plastered walls and stone masonry, softening the overall tone of the home with layers of organic depth.

This home also received a spotlight in our previous blog featuring Ruby + Suede Design Studio—whose thoughtful interiors highlight the beauty of reclaimed materials like antique elm. You can read more about their luxury home design here.

Bring Elegant Reclaimed Elm Wood Into Your Home

From elegant flooring to dramatic ceilings, antique elm brings unmatched character and strength to any home. Its rarity, history, and beauty make reclaimed elm a material worth celebrating and preserving.

If you’re drawn to the story and texture of elm flooring or want to explore elm wood options for your own project, we’d love to help. Contact us at Manomin Resawn Timbers to learn more, request samples, or talk with our team about bringing this extraordinary wood into your space.