Introduction
The old Irish Ogham Alphabet was based on the names of trees. The first letter, "A" corresponded to Ailim or Elm in English. Clearly, the Elm was highly regarded and flourished throughout the island.
However, a severe outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease, first detected in 1974, has proven catastrophic for the Wych and Common Elms.
Research to find resistant varieties continues, but the likely canditates bear no resemblance to the Elms which one time pre-dominated the Irish landscape.
Coillte continues to harvest stricken Elms, but stocks are becomming increasingly scarce. It is unlikely that Elm floors will be available within 5 years. These floors are testament to a vanishing part of Irish Heritage.
Width options are offered in 80mm and 135 mm. This Elm floor covers the enterance hall and reception rooms of a home in Carlow.

General Description
The heartwood of Elm is dark brown in colour when kiln dried. Annual Rings are distinct due to large earlywood pores which give a coarse texture to the wood. A conspicuous grain pattern gives the timber a very attractive figure. Green 'emerald'streaks can be evident in Wych Elm.

Elm is of medium density with low bending and crushing strengths. It has a very low stiffness and resistance to shock loads.It dries very rapidly, though sometimes with a lot of distortion. Elm has medium movement in service. It is non-durable.