Wood veneer, Elm (Burl)

Elm (Burl)

Carpathian elm burl is widely known for its beauty. The burl patterns are often very small and packed close together. The variety of color in elm burl veneer is largely associated with the living state of the tree when harvested. Dead elm trees have a tendency to produce a veneer which is darker and with less contrast than burls harvested from a living tree. Elm burl veneer on classic and high-end automobiles is quite common.
Dutch elm disease (a fungal disease spread by the elm bark beetle) set the stage for the rarity of elm burl and it is becoming more rare each day. The burls are typically smaller now than they have ever been. Additonally, highly figured burl veneers are becoming scarce and expensive.

Common Name:		Carpthian Elm
Scientific Name:		Ulmus campestris
Family:		Ulmaceae
Color:		Light brown to dark red, occassional green and near-purple
Origin:		Europe; England, France (notably, the Carpathian mountains)
Hardness:		Medium
Texture:		Somewhat coarse, open pore
Finishing:		Readily accepts and finishes