Knotty Western Hemlock

The sapwood is typically 3-5in (75-125mm) thick and difficult to differentiate from the heartwood, which is creamy-brown to pale yellowish-brown. Latewood areas are darker and frequently ringed with a roseate, purplish or red-brown colour, producing a well-defined growth-ring figure on plainsawn surfaces. Dark streaks, known as 'bird pecks' but caused by maggots, are frequently present. The grain is usually straight and even, with a medium to fine texture. Western hemlock can be confused with amabilis fir (Abies amabilis), which is very similar.

Properties:

It has low hardness and stiffness, and medium bending and compressive strength. The wood has similar mechanical qualities to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). It works readily with both machine and hand tools. Western hemlock planes, turns, screws, glues, stains and varnishes well. There is little dulling effect on cutting edges. Pre-boring is advised for nailing near the ends of boards.

Seasoning:

The wood dries slowly, but seasons well. Shakes, uneven moisture content, iron stains and warping can occur. There can be fine surface checking when it is kiln-dried. There is little movement in service.

Durability:

The heartwood has little natural resistance to decay and insects, and is moderately difficult to treat with preservatives. The sapwood is permeable.

Typical Uses:

It is used worldwide for construction, joinery, turnery, flooring, boxes and crates, pulp for quality newsprint, pallets, formwork, joists, framing, decks, vehicle bodies, railway sleepers (railroad ties) and decorative and utility plywood. it is also used as a source of cellulose for making rayon, cellophane and plastics.

Tsuga heterophylla (Pinaceae)

Also called:

Pacific hemlock, Alaska pine, hemlock spruce, British Columbian hemlock, west coast hemlock

Grows:

Western Canada and USA; also UK, China and Japan

Weight per Board Foot:

2.5 lbs

Typical dry weight:

31lb/ft3 (500kg/m3)

Specific Gravity:

.50

Typical Height:

100-150ft (30-46m)

Trunk Diameter:

3-4ft (0.9-1.2m