Cedar lumber collection
Closest Kingma softwood/outdoor path when an exact listing is not available.
View optionMountain Hemlock Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species
Mountain Hemlock is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameTsuga mertensiana
Janka hardness680 lbf
Average dried weight33 lb/ft³
Best fitFraming
Overview
Why choose Mountain Hemlock?
Mountain Hemlock is a softwood lumber species. Its natural range is North America's northwest coast. Common uses include framing and other construction work, plywood, pallets, crates and boxes.
Scientific nameTsuga mertensiana
DistributionNorth America's northwest coast
ShrinkageRadial: 4.4%, Tangential: 7.1%, Volumetric: 11.1%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
DurabilityNon-durable against decay and prone to insect attack.
Mountain Hemlock colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is a light reddish brown. The sapwood may be slightly paler but is usually not distinct from the heartwood.
The grain is mostly straight and the texture coarse and uneven.
Working notes
Working properties are good overall, but the soft earlywood and hard latewood differ so much that sanding can leave dips and uneven surfaces. Glue, stain and finish all behave well.
Skin irritation has been reported from Mountain Hemlock.
Mountain Hemlock should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Mountain Hemlock
Best projects
Common uses include framing and other construction work, plywood, pallets, crates and boxes.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Mountain Hemlock from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
White Oak lumber collection
A harder outdoor-aware hardwood alternative when the project calls for durability rather than softwood character.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Mountain Hemlock FAQ
What is Mountain Hemlock best used for?
Common uses include framing and other construction work, plywood, pallets, crates and boxes. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Mountain Hemlock beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Mountain Hemlock?
The buying section on this page links to any Mountain Hemlock Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.