Red Elm Firewood — BTU Rating, Burn Quality & Tips
Ulmus rubra
BTU per Cord
21,600,000
Density
3,112 lbs/cord
Category
hardwood
Split Difficulty
hard
Spark Rating
low
Smoke Rating
low
Coaling Quality
good
Seasoning Time
12 months
Availability
common
Burns better than American elm with slightly higher heat output. Still difficult to split due to stringy grain, though somewhat more manageable than white elm. Burns with minimal smoke and decent coals. Often called slippery elm.
Pros
- +good coaling for long burns
- +Low spark risk — safe for open fireplaces
- +Low smoke production
- +Widely available
Cons
- -Difficult to split
Best Uses for Red Elm
Open Fireplace
Excellent — low spark risk
Wood Stove
Good choice
Campfire
Good — mix with softwood kindling for easy starts
Smoking/Cooking
Can be used but not a traditional smoking wood
Seasoning Red Elm
Red Elm requires approximately 12 months of seasoning to reach the ideal moisture content of 20% or below. Split wood to 3-6 inch pieces and stack with good airflow. Keep the top covered but leave sides open to air. Store off the ground on pallets or rails.
Compare With Similar Species
Last updated: December 2024