Why Eastern Hemlock?
Hemlock Wood for Outdoor Use
Characteristics of Hemlock Lumber
- Incredible strength-to-weight ratio
- Moderately coarse and uneven in texture
- Have moderate natural strength
- Resistance to shrinkage
- More durable for outdoor applications
- It can hold glue, stain, and paint and protect against insect attack
- Polishes excellently
- Good machining properties
Eastern Hemlock
The Ideal Choice for Timber Frame Construction
Renowned for its remarkable strength, timeless beauty, and eco-friendly properties, Eastern Hemlock allows us to craft durable, stunning timber frames that elevate any outdoor space. From pavilions to pergolas, this exceptional wood ensures your project not only stands out but stands strong for years to come.
Strength and Durability
Eastern Hemlock, though a softwood, offers impressive strength with a high strength-to-weight ratio, ideal for supporting heavy loads. When treated, it resists decay, rot, and insects, ensuring durable, long-lasting structures.
Stability and Dimensional Stability
For outdoor structures, mortise and tenon joinery is a game-changer. Your pergola or pavilion isn’t just sitting pretty—it’s battling wind, rain, and the occasional rowdy gathering. This joinery method ensures it’s up to the challenge, delivering a rock-solid foundation that modern shortcuts can’t rival. At Lifetime Outdoor Arrangements, we use it to craft spaces that don’t just look good today but become cherished parts of your home for years to come.
Workability and Machinability
With its straight grain and uniform texture, Eastern Hemlock is easy to cut, shape, and join. This makes it a favorite for precise craftsmanship and detailed timber frame work.
Aesthetic Appeal
Eastern Hemlock’s warm, reddish-brown tones and subtle grain bring rustic charm to structures. Its fine texture takes stains, paints, or seals smoothly, enhancing its natural beauty.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Sourced from sustainably managed North American forests, Eastern Hemlock supports wildlife habitats, soil stability, and carbon sequestration, making it an eco-friendly choice for timber framing.
What About Pine?
The Affordability of Pine
Pine offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising too much on quality. It’s widely available and easy to work with, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, pine needs to be treated to resist rot, insects, and weathering, and will require regular maintenance like staining and sealing to maintain its appearance and durability. This makes it ideal for those willing to put a bit more effort into upkeep for the sake of initial savings.
FAQ
Hemlock is considered a much stronger wood with the ability to resist decay. It is tougher than cedar and fir, especially when pests attack it. However, it’s less stable than cedar.
Hemlock is an excellent wood for exterior use. With brilliant properties such as rot-resistant and wear-resistant, it is a reliable choice for outdoor projects. Some people report that hemlock lumber holds up better than treated wood depending on specific conditions. Hemlock lumber can endure twisting, warping, and insect attack, making it suitable for outdoor use. Moreover, if stained well, the lumber experiences moderate resistance to dents and scratches. Hemlock lumber is ideal for outdoor and farm applications, including:
- Framing – Hemlock is strong and light and can resist warping and twisting, making it a preferred wood for framing lumber. In addition, it’s less costly and locally available compared to hardwood. Just ensure it dries properly before using it in your construction.
- Decking – Hemlock wood can also be used as a decking material. Since Hemlock is a more attractive wood that’s in the same price range as cedar and pine, you may want to consider it when designing your deck.
- Plywood – Hemlock lumber has a moderately even texture and a good strength-to-weight ratio. Thus, the wood’s veneer sheets can be used to make plywood, often used for construction work like furniture.
- Other uses – Hemlock is rot-resistant, tough, and strong, and it is the go-to wood for outdoor applications requiring solid strength. It is widely used for barn repair and construction, fencing, and raised garden beds. However, there is no precise estimation of how long Hemlock lumber would last in the soil, but in the proper conditions, some say it lasts up to seven years.
Eastern Pennsylvania Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a locally sourced softwood with a rich history in the region. It has a coarse, uneven texture, a buff to light brown color, and clear heartwood demarcation. With a moderate strength (MOR of 8,900 psi) and hardness (500 pounds), it’s stronger than Eastern White Pine but more affordable than premium woods like Douglas Fir. Its local availability ensures freshness, and it carries cultural significance from its use by early settlers in log cabins and tannic acid production.
Eastern Pennsylvania Hemlock excels in construction due to its solid strength-to-weight ratio, ease of workability, and versatility. It glues and finishes well, making it suitable for both structural and decorative uses. It can be used green for timber framing or kiln-dried for stability. When pressure-treated, it gains moderate decay resistance, ideal for outdoor projects like barns and pavilions. Plus, its local sourcing cuts transportation costs, offering a budget-friendly option for regional builds.
Yes, Eastern Pennsylvania Hemlock comes from sustainably managed forests. Despite challenges from the hemlock woolly adelgid, conservation efforts like pesticide treatments and biological controls help protect it. Local sawmills, such as the Pennsylvania Sawmill Company, source logs within a 50-mile radius, reducing environmental impact and supporting regional forestry. This ensures it remains a renewable resource for construction.
Eastern Pennsylvania Hemlock sits between Eastern White Pine (MOR: 8,600 psi, hardness: 380 pounds) and Douglas Fir (MOR: 12,500 psi, hardness: 620 pounds) in strength and hardness. It’s more affordable than Douglas Fir and stronger than White Pine, striking a balance for projects where extreme strength isn’t needed. Compared to Southern Yellow Pine, it’s less stiff but more cost-effective locally, making it a practical choice for timber framing and general use.