Hemlock Wood Guide 2026
Tsuga heterophylla / Tsuga canadensis
Hemlock is a versatile structural softwood widely used in framing, sheathing, and general construction. Western Hemlock is stronger and more commercially available than its Eastern counterpart. The wood is light in color, relatively straight-grained, and takes stain and paint well. It forms a key component of the commercial Hem-Fir lumber group and is valued for its balanced strength-to-weight ratio and consistent availability.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 29 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States, Canada
- Price: ~$3 per board foot
- Common uses include Framing, sheathing, paneling
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium, even texture with straight grain.
Workability: Works easily with hand and machine tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Can be finished well but is prone to raised grain.
Color change: Minimal darkening over time.
Insect resistance: Low resistance to decay and insect damage.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Hemlock. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Available in standard 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 nominal dimensions. | Available in 8 to 20 foot standard construction lengths. | Request this size |
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Available in standard 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12 nominal dimensions.
- Lengths
- Available in 8 to 20 foot standard construction lengths.
Decking & exterior profiles
Standard square edge boards often used for temporary structures.
Availability notes: Readily available at lumber yards for construction.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light yellowish brown to pale reddish brown; minimal contrast between heartwood and sapwood
Grain: Straight, even grain with a fine to medium texture; generally free of resin
Common Uses
- Framing
- sheathing
- paneling
- crates
- pallets
- timber framing
- sauna wood
- general construction
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Western Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock, Hem-Fir (commercial group)
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 500 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States, Canada
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Hemlock is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Alaska Yellow Cedar
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Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling propert
View speciesAtlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
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