That brother knows which kind of wood is harder and better, red oak or elm. I made a computer desk with it!

Red oak is definitely better, the wood is hard and heavy, and it is the first choice for making expensive furniture. I suggest you choose red oak.

Elm is also a good material for making furniture. The hardness of wood is not as good as that of oak, but the texture is straight, the pattern is clear and there are few scars. You is the best variety of Russian old elm (purple elm).