1. A softwood of the high rainfall areas of the west coast of Canada and extending south in to 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 not easily distinguishable and to 25mm wide. Texture is relatively fine and even grain straight. The growth rings are prominent beacuse of the darker bands of latewood, but less so than those of Douglas Fir and usually non-resinous.
3. Air Dry Density 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. Moisture content of green material can vary greatly. Care is needed to avoid surface checking. Shrinkage about 2.5 % radial, 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.
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 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 conspicious growth rings can exhibit interesting grain patterns on flatsawn surfaces.
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