Western Hemlock  

Scientific Name: Tsuga heterphylla

Distribution: Along the Coast of Oregon and Washington, in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Canada and Alaska

Other Names: West Coast Hemlock, Pacific Hemlock, British Columbia Hemlock, Hemlock-spruce, Western Hemlock-fir 

Wood Description: Often contains small, sound, black knots that are usually tight and stay in place.  Dark streaks are often found in the lumber - caused by bark maggots and don't generally reduce strength. 

Sapwood: Sometimes lighter in color than the heartwood, generally not more than 1" thick.

Heartwood: Almost white, with a purplish tinge.

Workability: Excellent for milling, without tear-out. Grain tends to fuzz when surfaced at over 18% MC. Very consistent color in both sapwood and heartwood make Hemlock ideal for both clear and stained finishes.

Common Uses: Principally used for pulpwood, lumber and plywood.  The lumber goes mostly in to building material such as sheathing, siding, subflooring, joists, studding, planking and rafters.  Clears are used for windows, doors, mouldings, and interior finish. Small quantities are used for flooring and furniture.