Western Hemlock
- 1. A softwood of the high rainfall areas of the west coast of Canada and extending south into the United States. It is one of the important timber species of western Canada.
- 2. Heartwood straw to pale brown, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. Sapwood is not easily distinguishable and to 25mm wide. The texture is relatively fine and even grain straight. The growth rings are prominent because of the darker bands of latewood, but less so than those of Douglas Fir and usually non-resinous.
- 3. Air Dry Density is about 500kg/m3.
- 4. The green wood has a much higher moisture content than that of Douglas Fir and it is slower and more difficult to dry. The moisture content of green material can vary greatly. Care is needed to avoid surface checking. Shrinkage is about 2.5 % radial, and 5% tangential.
- 5. Easy to work, except for the small hard knots. Glues satisfactorily. Holds nails well. The relative softness of the earlywood and its possible compression by the planer can lead to ridged material.
- CategoryWall Panels & Cladding , Skirtings, Mouldings & Jambs, Timber Flooring
Botanical Name
Tsuga heterophylla
Origin
orthwest Coast of North America
Interior
- Wall/Ceiling
- Mouldings
Exterior
- Wall/Cladding
General uses
Internal joinery, panelling, doors (We are handling only vertical grain).
Allergies/ Toxicity
Western Hemlock has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation, as well as a runny nose. Odour: No characteristic odour.
Rot Resistance
Rated as non-durable regarding decay resistance, and also susceptible to insect attack.
Endgrain
Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition usually gradual, colour contrast fairly high; tracheid diameter medium - large.
Grain texture | Colour | Appearance
Grain is generally straight, with a coarse, uneven texture. Heartwood is light reddish brown. Sapwood may be slightly lighter in colour but usually isn't distinguished from heartwood. Occasionally contains dark streaks caused by bark maggots. The conspicuous growth rings can exhibit interesting grain patterns on flatsawn surfaces.
Certifications Available
PEFC/40-31-26 Promoting Sustainable Forest Management
Working Qualities
Overall working properties are good, but because of the disparity between the soft earlywood and the hard latewood, sanding can create dips and uneven surfaces. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Uses
Boxes, pallets, crates, plywood, framing, and other construction purposes.
Durability In Ground Perishable/Non Durable
Durability Above Ground Perishable/Durable
Dimension Stability (1-10) 7
Shrinkage Radial 3 %
Shrinkage Tangental 5 %
Janka Hardness 2.6 kN
Modulus of Rupture 70 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 10 GPa
Max Crush Strength 43 MPa
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About the
Seller
Timspec was established in 1990 as a wholesaler of specialty timber and was wholly New Zealand owned. In March 2019 Timspec was acquired by ITI Australia and became ITI Timspec LTD.
Today we import, export, and wholesale a huge range of timber to builders, joiners, home owners, floor layers, landscape builders and furniture manufacturers. We pride ourselves on being environmentally responsible and strive to source the most sustainable timber options available. Timber stocked includes species from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand's exotic as well as indigenous species.
The ITI Timspec team are extremely knowledgeable about the various types of timber, treatments and uses available and are happy to help you in choosing the right product for your project.
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