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Blunting Effect
Boring
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Schedules
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Natural Growth Defects
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Resistance to Splitting
Response to Hand Tools
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Tsuga heterophylla

Trade Name
Western hemlock

Family Name
Pinaceae

Common Names
Alaska pine, British Columbia hemlock, British columbian hemlock, Gray fir, Grey fir, Hemlock spruce, Huron pine, Pacific Coast hemlock, Pacific hemlock, Prince Albert fir, Prince Albert spruce, Silver fir, West coast hemlock, Western hemlock, Western hemlock fir, Western hemlock spruce, White hemlock

Regions of Distribution
North America

Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Canada, United States

Common Uses
Beams, Boat building: masts, Boxes and crates, Broom handles, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Casks, Ceiling, Concrete formwork, Construction, Cooperages, Decks, Decorative plywood, Domestic flooring, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory construction, Factory flooring, Flooring, Form work, Foundation posts, Framing, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Joinery, Joists, Light construction, Oars, Packing cases, Paneling , Paneling, Parquet flooring, Piling, Plywood, Porch columns, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Railroad cars, Railroad ties, Rough construction, Shingles, Siding, Structural plywood, Sub-flooring, Utility plywood, Vehicle parts, Wainscotting

Environmental Profile

Abundant/Secure

Vulnerable

Extinct

Rare

Questionable

Endangered

May be rare in some parts of its range

Generally widespread, secure, and abundant within most of its range

Data source is Nature Conservancy

Distribution Overview
Western hemlock occurs in Alberta and on the coast of British Columbia in Canada. In the United States it is distributed in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington. It usually occurs in dense pure stands with Sitka spruce and other conifers. It thrives well in moist, acid soils, especially flats and lower slopes. Hemlock is also reported to grow in the forests of Japan, China, and India.

Heartwood Color

Brown

Red

Pale brown

Yellow to golden-yellow to orange

White to cream

Reddish brown

Purple

Pale red to pink

Whitish

Pale yellow

Greenish to greyish

Brown

The latewood region is often tinged with a roseate, purplish, or reddish-brown color. Dark streaks (bird pecks) caused by maggots of a small black fly (chilosia alaskensis) are often present, and are often used to identify the wood. Western hemlock and Amabilis fir (Abies amabilis ) are very similar in appearance and are difficult to separate by inspection

Sapwood Color

White

Brown

Red

Green/Grey

Paler than heartwood

Same as heartwood

White to yellow

The sapwood is about 3 to 5 inches (7 to 13 cm) in width, and is difficult to differentiate from the heartwood.

Grain

Figure

Straight

Growth rings (figure)

Distinct (figure)

Even

Straight

Clear growth rings (figure)

Distinct figure

Even

Texture

Coarse

Fine

Fine to medium

Medium

Medium coarse to coarse

Transition from early wood to latewood is subtle.

Luster

Lustrous

Slightly lustrous

Natural Growth Defects

Latex or other ducts

Natural Durability

Perishable

Non-durable

Non durable

Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles

Very little natural resistance

Susceptible to marine borer attack

Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log

Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present

Durable

The timber has very little natural resistance to decay, and should not be used under high decay hazard conditions unless it is properly and adequately protected.

Odor

Has an odor

Wet wood may have a sour odor

No specific taste

Toxicity

Dermatitic effects

Kiln Schedules

Dry at a moderate speed

Dry at a slow speed

UK=L US=T14C6S/T12C5S -

T12 - C5 (4/4); T11 - C4 (8/4) US

Schedule K (4/4) United Kingdom

Drying Defects

Distortion

Ring Shakes

Slight surface checking

Slight twist/warp

Moderate surface checking

High shrinkage

Drying defects that may occur in this species include shake, uneven moisture content, chemical stains, warping, and iron stains.

Ease of Drying

Thick Stock Requires Care

Moderately Difficult to Difficult

Requires special attention

Slowly

Moderate

Easy

Dries slowly

Despite staining, timber seasons well

The wood dries slowly because of its high moisture content but it seasons well, and can be air-seasoned or kiln-dried to minimize degrade. The material is resin-free and odorless when properly dried.

Tree Identification

Bole/stem form is straight

Tree Size

Bole length is 0-10 m

Bole length is 10-20 m

Tree height is 30-40 m

Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm

Although Western hemlock is the state tree of Washington, it is reported to grow more extensively in Alaska. It is the largest of the hemlocks, and produces a long, slender, and often fluted trunk

Product Sources
Hemlock is abundant in supply in the United States and Canada. It is also widely used in Japan. One of the most valuable sources of timber in Canada, Western hemlock is exported around the world.

Apart from timber, the bark of Western hemlock yields large quantities of tannin which is used a mud additive in oil-well drilling.

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as satisfactory

Blunting Effect

Moderate

Blunting effect on machining is slight

The wood works with little dulling effect on cutters

Boring

Responds well to boring operations

Cutting Resistance

Easy to saw

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw

Gluing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Easy to glue

Very good properties

Mortising

Easy to mortise

Finishes well

Very good mortising characteristics

Moulding

Easy to mould

Good finishing results

Very good moulding properties

Movement in Service

Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement

Medium

Small

Very stable when properly seasoned

Stable

It is highly rated for its stability under different moisture content conditions

Nailing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Possible if prebored

Holds satisfactorily

Holds nails well

Easy to nail

Good resistance to splitting while nailing

Planing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult

Planes well, to a good finish

Easy to plane

Very good planing properties

Resistance to Impregnation

Permeable sapwood

Resistant heartwood

Resistant sapwood

Heartwood is resistant

Heartwood is moderately resistant

Sapwood is resistant

Heartwood is extremely resistant

Difficult to treat with preservatives

Resistance to Splitting

Poor

Excellent

Response to Hand Tools

Responds Readily

Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work

Easy to Work

Easy to machine

Moderate working qualities

Sanding

Good sanding finish

Screwing

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Possible if prebored

Easy to screw

Very good screwing properties

Very good screw holding qualities

Screwing yields good results

Turning

Good results

Easy to turn

Very good

Veneering Qualities

There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits

Moderately easy to veneer

Steam Bending

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Moderate

Painting

Good results

Satisfactory results

Polishing

Very Good to Excellent Results

Good results

Staining

Fair to Good Results

Fairly Easy to Very Easy

Very Good to Excellent Results

Finish is generally good

Finish is generally satisfactory

Properly dried wood is easy to stain.

Varnishing

Good results

Strength Properties

Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.

Bending strength (MOR) = low

Hardness (side grain) = very soft

Max. crushing strength = medium

Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft.

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low

Max. crushing strength = low

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low

Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low

Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low

Toughness (total work) = low

Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate

Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large

Shrinkage, Radial = small

Shrinkage, Radial = moderate

Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.

Toughness (total work) = very low

Soft

Shrinkage, Tangential = small

Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large

Hardness (side grain) = soft

Dents or scratches easily

Bending strength (MOR) = very low

Bending strength (MOR) = medium

One of the most common trees in the Pacific Northwest, Western hemlock is reported to form wide, thick groves. Its timber is a primary source of pulwood, and also yields cellulose which is used for making cellophane, rayon, yarns, and plastics. Compared to Eastern hemlock, the wood is finer textured, straight-grained, and lighter in weight. Its machining properties are similar to the pines, and has also been compared to Douglas-fir and Spruce in character

Numerical Data

Item	Green	Dry	English

Bending Strength	6477	10320	psi
Crushing Strength	323	588	psi
Density		30	lbs/ft3
Hardness		467	lbs
Impact Strength	22	22	inches
Maximum Crushing Strength	3339	6119	psi
Shearing Strength		1220	psi
Static Bending	4018	7154	psi
Stiffness	1293	1527	1000 psi
Toughness		142	inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load	6	8	inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity	0.4	0.44
Weight	32	29	lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage	4		%
Tangential Shrinkage	7		%
Volumetric Shrinkage	12		%

Item	Green	Dry	Metric

Bending Strength	455	725	kg/cm2
Crushing Strength	22	41	kg/cm2
Density		480	kg/m3
Hardness		211	kg
Impact Strength	55	55	cm
Maximum Crushing Strength	234	430	kg/cm2
Shearing Strength		85	kg/cm2
Static Bending	282	502	kg/cm2
Stiffness	90	107	1000 kg/cm2
Toughness		163	cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load	0.42	0.56	cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity	0.4	0.44
Weight	512	464	kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage	4		%
Tangential Shrinkage	7		%

References
Banks, C.H. and J.P. Schoeman. 1963. Railway Sleeper and Crossing Timbers. Bulletin No. 41, Republic of South Africa. The Government Printer, Pretoria, South Africa.

Betts, H.S.,1945,American Woods - Western Hemlock,USDA, Forest Service American Woods

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois and E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods: Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Madison, Wisconsin.

Brown, H.P. and Panshin, A.J.,1940,Commercial Timbers of the United States Their structure, identification,,properties and uses,McGraw-Hill, London

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World: - No.7 North America,TRADA

Canadian Forestry Service. 1981. Canadian Woods - Their Properties and Uses. Third Edition. E.J. Mullins and T.S. McKnight, Editors. Published by University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada.

Clifford, N.,1957,Timber Identification for the Builder and Architect,Leonard Hill (Books) LTD. London

Dallimore, W. and Jackson, A. Bruce,1966,A Handbook of Coniferae and Ginkgoaceae Fourth Ed. Revised by S.G.,Harrison,Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd. London

Findlay, W.P.K.,1975,Timber: Properties and Uses,Crosby Lockwood Staples London,224PP

Forest Products Research Laboratory U.K.,1957,A Handbook of Softwoods,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,HMSO

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1945,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1967,The Steam Bending Properties of various timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Leaflet,No.45

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1969,The Movement of Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Technical Note,No.38

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kaiser, J. 1990. Wood of the Month - Hemlock: The Hardworking Softwood. Wood of the Month Annual, Supplement to Wood and Wood Products, September, 1990. Page 12A.

Kloot, N.H., Bolza, E.,1961,Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia,C.S.I.R.O. Forest Products Division Technological Paper,No.12

Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50)

Little, E.L. The Audobon Society Field Guide to North America Trees - Western Region. Published by Arthur A. Knopf, New York.

Markwardt, L.J., Wilson, T.R.C.,1935,Strength and related properties of woods grown in the United States,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin,No.479

Mullins, E.J. and McKnight, T.S.,1981,Canadian Woods Their Properties and Uses,University of Toronto Press 3rd Edition

Oliver, A.C.,1974,Timber for Marine and Freshwater Construction,TRADA, London

Panshin, A.J. and C. deZeeuw. 1980. Textbook of Wood Technology, 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill Series in Forest Resources. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York.

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press

Redding, L.W.,1971,Resistance of Timbers to Impregnation with Creosote,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Bulletin No.54 pp.43

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

Rijsdijk, L.F. and Laming, P.B.,1994,Physical and Related Properties of 145 Timbers, Information for,Practice,TNO Building and Construction Research Centre for Timber Research Kluwer,Academic Publishers

Smith, D.N.,1959,The Natural Durability of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Record,No.30

Steiger, A.,1973,Surveys of information on wood species 9,Holztechnologie,14(3, p184

The Australian Timber Journal & Building Products, Merchandiser,1969,Timber Durability and Preservation,Supplement to Australian Timber Journal 35(4) Tech. Timb. Guide No.8

Thomas, A.V.,1964,Timbers Used in the Boat Building Industry A Survey,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,Laboratory

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

U.S.D.A. Forest Service,1974,Wood Handbook,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Handbook,72

USDA. 1987. Wood Handbook - Wood as an Engineering Material, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 72, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

USDA. 1988. Dry Kiln Operators Manual, Preliminary Copy. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Western Wood Products Association. 19__. Softwoods of the Western USA. Published and Distributed by the Western Wood Products Association, Yeon Building, 522 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

Wood, A.D.,1963,Plywoods of the World: Their Development, Manufacture and,Application,Johnston & Bacon Ltd. Edinburgh & London

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