Wood Species Guide

Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Also called: Pacific Hemlock, West Coast Hemlock, Hemlock Spruce; sold as Hem-Fir lumber

Western hemlock is the fine-grained, pitch-free hemlock of the Pacific Northwest. Clear vertical-grain boards make clean, affordable trim, doors and paneling.
DomesticSoftwoodFirs & Spruces
Good forBudget-Friendly

What Western Hemlock looks like

Pale cream to light reddish tan, often with faint purplish streaks, and little contrast between heartwood and sapwood.

Grain and texture

Straight, even grain with a medium texture. It is much finer and more even than eastern hemlock, and clear vertical-grain boards are common.

Working Western Hemlock: planing, cutting and gluing

Works easily with hand and machine tools and planes to a smooth surface. It has no pitch, so blades stay clean. It glues and holds fasteners well.

Finishing Western Hemlock: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes stain more evenly than most softwoods and finishes well with clear coats. A seal coat before epoxy keeps the surface even. It ambers slightly over time.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Not durable and susceptible to insects. Kiln-dried stock is quite stable. In Florida, keep it indoors and finished.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Clear vertical-grain western hemlock is a good-looking, budget-friendly wood for interior trim, doors, paneling and painted or stained cabinets. Construction grades are sold as Hem-Fir. It is a good alternative to fir when you want less pitch. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.

Common uses for Western Hemlock

Construction lumber, millwork, doors, windows, paneling, plywood, cabinets and pulp.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating LowWhat the ratings mean
  • Skin irritation
  • Respiratory / asthma

Reactions are uncommon. Hemlock dust can irritate the skin, eyes and nose in some people.

In the shop
Dust collection and a mask when sanding
Food contact
Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Western hemlock dust has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation, including a runny nose. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Western Hemlock in stock now

Ask us. We can often source it.

We don't have Western Hemlock listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.

Call (239) 331-5925 Book a slab & lumber visit

Similar woods: Firs & Spruces

See the Firs & Spruces group guide

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