Hemlock is a name chosen for a species of poisonous plants and a species of tree in the pine family. This tree has a scientific name Tsuga. You can find many species of this tree around the world. It is interesting to know that its bark, wood and leaves are used in different industries. In the following, we will discuss the details and exact specifications of the tree, the use of wood, and…
Because of its soft texture, hemlock wood has little resistance to decay, but it is easy to use. Among the applications of hemlock wood:
- Wooden floors
- Construction of house doors
hemlock wood hard or soft? Hemlock wood is relatively soft.
Stay with us to introduce you to this tree:
Characteristics of hemlock wood
What is special about hemlock? The length of these trees ranges from medium to tall, that is, they grow from 33 to 197 foot. The wood of the hemlock tree does not have an unpleasant smell. The heartwood is light brown to red, and the color of the outer layers can be slightly lighter.
Growth rings in hemlock wood, which are quite obvious, display interesting patterns of lines on sloping surfaces.
The texture of the hemlock tree is uneven. Hemlock lumber is used in the construction industry in the cities of Washington, Oregon, British Columbia. Western hemlock is one of the most famous timbers in the world. Western Hemlock is found in abundance on the coast of British Columbia.
On average, it usually grows 1 to 1.5 meters in diameter.
Hemlock wood is known as a popular wood for carpentry. Western hemlock is easy to machine because of its uniform density.
The hemlock wood has a good strength compared to its weight. The wood requires special care when drying, but it will provide you with a quality product.
Processing and machining with it is relatively easy. It flattens and shapes well and can be smoothed with sandpaper.
Wood absorbs glue well, it has the ability to hold nails and screws.
read more: Wooden Terrace Decks
Kiln drying improves its strength and stiffness and increases resistance to decay and insect attack.
Freshly cut hemlock wood can have very high moisture content. This causes a problem in the drying process. During the drying process of wood, the necessary care should be taken so that the wood does not suffer from stains or other possible defects during drying. After drying, the chop will be stable.
Read this article to learn about the process of “drying wood“.
Application of hemlock wood
Other applications of hemlock wood include the following:
- Doors and windows – In an article, we explained about “the best wood for making doors and windows“. We suggest you read.
- Wooden flooring
- Wooden false ceilings
- Construction of ladders and construction uses
- It is interesting to know that in some countries like India, hemlock wood is used to make furniture and connecting door frames.
- Hemlock is also used for general construction, roof decks and plywood.
tip: Hemlock wood is known as a wood that is not resistant to decay and is vulnerable to insect attack.
Hemlock woodworking machine
The ability to work on hemlock wood is average. It is easy to work on this wood by hand or with powerful tools. Although sometimes it can be fragile.
Due to the large difference between the inner and outer layers of wood, sanding can lead to unevenness on the surface of the wood.
This wood can be well glued, painted and polished.
Ease of machining has made this species popular. Hemlock wood is used as a substitute for hardwood in the furniture and cabinet making industry. The absence of gum and bitumen in this wood has made it an ideal wood for building a dry sauna.
read more: Wenge Wood
All kinds of hemlock tree species
- This type of pine includes eight to ten species.
- Eastern hemlock (found in eastern Canada and eastern United States)
- Carolinian hemlock
- Taiwanese or Chinese hemlock
- Northern Japanese hemlock
- Greek Himalayan hemlock
- Forest Hemlock (Greece)
- Western hemlock (western Canada and northwestern United States)
- Mountain hemlock (Alaska and western United States)
- Southern Japanese hemlock
Western hemlock tree
Western hemlock (Western Hemlock) with the scientific name Tsuga Heterophylla, which grows on the northwest coast of North America.
The western hemlock tree is 50 to 60 meters long and its trunk is between 1 and 1.5 meters thick.
The average weight of a dry western hemlock tree is 465 kg/m3. The resistance of this tree against crushing is equal to 37.3 megapascals, and its water loss rate is 4.2% in the radius, 7.8% along the tangent line on the side, and 12.4% in volume.
read more: Mango Wood
The difference between western and eastern hemlock
Western hemlock wood weighs more than eastern hemlock wood and the hemwood is 29 pounds per cubic foot. Western hemlock is also harder, firmer, smooth-lined, and free of gum.
The western hemlock tree is an important commercial species for the construction industry. This species is often considered as a common wood in the construction of scaffolding, laminated boards and roofs, it is well laminated and used to make structural beams.
read more: Best Wood For Burning
Mountain hemlock tree
The mountain hemlock tree with the scientific name Tsuga mertensiana grows on the northwest coast of North America.
The height of this tree is between 30 and 40 meters and the diameter of its trunk is 1 to 1.2 meters.
The weight of the dry mountain hemlock tree is 530 kg/m3 and its resistance to crushing is 44.4 MPa. Its water loss along the radius of the log is 4.4% and along the tangent line to the side is 7.1% and in volume is 11.1%.
Is hemlock good for outdoor use?
Hemlock wood has good resistance and therefore can be used for outdoor spaces.
Which is stronger pine or hemlock?
Western hemlock is much stronger and harder than pine wood. It is used in situations where high strength is required.
What is Eastern hemlock used for?
Common uses: boxes, pallets, crates, plywood, frames, and other construction purposes. In addition to its wood, the oriental hemlock is also known for its ornamental value and there are hundreds of varieties. The eastern hemlock is also the state tree of Pennsylvania.
