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Illustration—not a verified specimenWestern Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) wood grain — Janka 540 lbf
Softwood
Common in U.S.

Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Genus: Tsuga · Family: Pinaceae

Construction
Millwork
Veneer

Quick Facts

Wood Type

Softwood

Native Range

North America

Avg. Dried Weight

29 lb/ft³

Janka Hardness

540 lbf

Decay Resistance

Non-Durable

Typical Color

Light Brown

Stability

Medium

Outdoor Suitability

Poor

Workability

Easy

Availability

Common in U.S.

CITES

Unlisted

IUCN

Not Evaluated

Limited data · 2/9

Did You Know?

  • •Western Hemlock is harder than 15% of the 137 species in our database.

Janka Hardness Scale

540lbf

Soft

Western Hemlock
100
690
1,010
1,360
1,450
1,820
3,510
4,570

Appearance

Heartwood ColorLight Brown
GrainStraight
TextureMedium

Technical Properties

Avg. Dried Weight29 lb/ft³
Specific Gravity (basic)Not recorded
Specific Gravity (12% MC)Not recorded
Janka Hardness540 lbf
Modulus of RuptureNot recorded
Elastic ModulusNot recorded
Crushing StrengthNot recorded
Shrinkage (Radial)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Tangential)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Volumetric)Not recorded
T/R RatioNot recorded
Stability RatingMedium

Sources, Conditions & Safety

No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.

Wood dust & sensitivity

Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.

Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.

Durability & Performance

Decay ResistanceNon-Durable
Outdoor SuitabilityPoor

Workability

Overall RatingEasy
Blunting EffectLow

Common Uses

Heavy Construction
Millwork
Veneer

Sustainability & Trade

Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.

CITES StatusUnlisted
IUCN StatusNot Evaluated

Native Distribution

North America

Find Substitutes

AI-powered alternative species matching

Look-Alike Species

Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with Western Hemlock. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.

Similar Species & Alternatives