All about slabs from elm

Elm slab - solid wood lumber with a significant surface area. It is obtained by longitudinal sawing of a trunk with a width of 800 mm and more, and is used in the manufacture of furniture - tables, benches, as well as interior items. It is worth talking in a little more detail about what it is, what areas of use are slabs from elm.

The slab of elm is a wide saw cut of a tree trunk, formed longitudinally from a thick tree trunk. Its standard width is determined by the dimensions of the original log, rarely less than 800 mm. The length also varies, it can be 2-3 m, which allows the material to be used when creating bar counters, window sills, stair steps. This is not much, considering that an adult tree grows up to 40 meters, and its trunk reaches 2 m in diameter.

The elm itself belongs to the deciduous tree species of the Elm family, its stocky and small-leaved varieties are distinguished. The name "ilm" can also be found - this is how this tree is called in English-speaking countries. Elm is found in the South Urals, the Volga region, the Caucasus, grows in Central Asia.

There are really many reasons for choosing elm as a raw material. Its advantages include the following factors.

1. Attractive appearance. The exclusive pattern on the cut of the tree is not repeated. Karagach, like other types of elms, has an unusual texture, and after processing with varnish, oil, it appears even more clearly.
2. Operational benefits. Due to the high density of wood, slabs acquire resistance to external factors. They are not afraid of mechanical abrasion, high and low temperatures, moisture. When drying, there are practically no signs of warping, cracking.
3. Ease of processing. Due to the not too large weight and pliability of the wood, slabs of elm are easily dismantled, polished, and subjected to other manipulations. If necessary, you can replace the decorative coating on it.
4. Availability. For all its merits, elm does not belong to particularly valuable or rare wood species. This material is available in most regions, is relatively inexpensive, and, when properly processed, acquires a luxurious expressive appearance.

The production of slabs from elm does not differ from similar processes for obtaining horizontal cuts from other types of wood. A special approach to harvesting, dissolving and drying helps to obtain and keep the solid mass without joints and gaps. Only in this case can lumber be called a slab. Another important rule is that the workpieces cannot be narrower than 50 mm.

The procedure for obtaining a slab is as follows.

1. Choosing a tree. It should be healthy, without signs of decay, have a fairly thick base of the trunk - it is this part that goes to create slabs. Trees with forks, thickenings, irregularities are highly valued - they make the most beautiful products.
2. Felling or saw cut. Special devices are used to make wood harvesting quick and easy.Further, the resulting material is eliminated from knots, branches, and sometimes it is sawn right on the spot into logs suitable for transportation. With a trunk diameter of 80-200 cm, this is a perfectly reasonable solution.
3. Dissolution into slabs. Sometimes, in the presence of a mobile sawmill, this work is carried out directly at the work site. You can also send the material to a specially equipped workshop, where high-precision machines and manipulators will cope with the task faster and easier. Most of the workshops working with elm slabs have their own sawmills, which allow you not to experience problems with the selection and preparation of materials.
4. Stabilization. It is carried out before drying, especially if the wood is very damp. In the process, the material is chemically treated to prevent warping.
5. Drying. It can be done in a variety of ways. Private craftsmen highly value slabs dried in natural conditions in well-ventilated rooms. If there is no opportunity to wait for 2 years or more, professional cameras with vacuum or infrared exposure are used. The wood in them is dried evenly, acquires moisture content at the level of 10-12%.
6. Decorative processing. Since slabs are not customary to adjust to standard sizes and parameters - they are valued for their natural beauty, the material is most often covered with protective compounds during the production process. Special oil and wax impregnations are well suited for these purposes; in some cases, the surface is additionally varnished or filled with epoxy, acrylic resin.

Since slabs from elm are of a fairly large format, they are suitable for creating a wide variety of interior items - from finishing details to completely functional objects. Designers highly appreciate the noble color of wood, its strength and texture. Exclusive drawing also plays a role.

Among the most popular ideas for using such slabs are the following options.

• Table top. Its production is appropriate for both a dining group and a kitchen. For example, as a cutting, work surface. This table retains the natural structure of the wood, it can be turned into a stand for a sewing machine or equipped with a coffee area on the veranda.

• Bar counter. Long slabs of 2-3 meters or more are perfect for these purposes. They are also highly regarded in the design of catering establishments - from clubs to restaurants, as well as in residential interiors.

• Windowsill. Of course, the slab with its natural texture of elm will not fit into every interior. It will look good as an addition to ethnic or eco-style, complement the loft space.

• Steps of stairs. You can create them from small trunks, use them as an element of the entrance group on the veranda or in the open air.

• Bench. Here, too, there is room for creativity. You can place such a slab decoration in the interior or put it in a recreation area on the site. Inside the house, elm benches are perfectly combined with decorative soft pillows and capes.

• Storage system. Massive open kitchen shelves look no worse than classic cabinets. With proper processing, the wood will not be damaged by the heat of a Russian stove or fireplace, and high humidity.