Not to be mistaken for Western, Pacific Coast or Eastern Hemlock, the Alaska Hemlock (Hem-Fir) falls within a unique class of its own. Alaska Hemlock (only within southeast Alaska) has a dense, even growth ring pattern that averages 26 growth rings per inch with about 25% summer wood. The finished wood is odorless, tasteless, and non-resinous when dried. The mature Alaska Hemlock trees within southeast Alaska grow to between 2 to 5 feet in diameter and up to 160 feet in height. It is a wood of remarkable versatility and usefulness. It ranks among the leaders in commercial woods.

The Alaska Hemlock is considered the companion tree to the popular Douglas Fir of the coastal region, whereby Alaska Hemlock shares many of Douglas Fir's attributes while maintaining additional qualities which give it a unique distinction. Its applications range from large appearance grade structural timbers to exquisite interior finish casework for paneling, doors, and cabinetry.

As with Alaskan Yellow Cedar, the Alaskan Hemlock's unique tight grain and durability make it an ideal species for interior T&G flooring. The clear, vertical grain flooring manufactured from Alaska Hemlock is among the finest products of North America.

As with the Alaska Sitka Spruce, the Alaska Hemlock yields excellent large sized structural timbers. Because the timbers are cut from large, straight grained logs, they generally remain straight as they season, especially if dried in the Radio Frequency Vacuum kilns. These timber products are excellent for heavy timber trusses and post & beam construction; they are stiff, rigid, low in weight relative to strength, and available in lengths up to 50 feet.

The wood itself is fine textured, straight grained and stiff. It is free from pitch and resin and is distinguished by its strength and workability. In color it ranges from a uniquely beautiful off white to predominantly faint reddish brown. In the green condition, Alaska Hemlock has a relatively high moisture content, however it dries exceptionally well either by air seasoning or kiln drying, whereby it shows little tendency to check, warp or cup.

Alaska Hemlock is beautiful. It's unique light color, obvious tight grain and smooth texture makes it highly regarded for all types of construction. Alaska Hemlock nails firmly without splitting and saws easily. It is available in stress grades for structural uses governed by superior strength requirements.

Alaska Hemlock possesses the rare quality of increased hardness with age. This wood is receptive to paint, stain, wax, varnish, and other finishes. Paint flows easily onto siding, and adheres tenaciously. It is easily machined to a satin finish. Few other woods lend themselves so readily to the varied effects it is possible to achieve with Alaska Hemlock.

Alaska Hemlock commands a wide range of uses. Hemlock is also available for ceiling and paneling applications. And finally, it makes stunning shelving, furniture, cabinets, kitchen interiors, doors and millwork. It is available in either vertical or flat grain, and is used by high-end millwork plants, cabinetmakers, door and furniture factories.

UNIQUE "ALASKAN" DESIGN VALUES:
Due to the unique growing season and weather patterns within the temperate rain forest of southeast Alaska, new design values of a higher structural grade have been created for the species of timber that grow solely in southeast Alaska. As a result of the work conducted by the Ketchikan Wood Technology Center (KWTC) and Western Wood Products Association (WWPA), Alaska Hemlock has been recognized as a unique species by the American Lumber Standards Committee.

These new design values show that the Alaska Hemlock indigenous to southeast Alaska, has a much higher strength and stiffness than the Western Hemlock in British Colombia, Washington and Oregon.

Grading Agencies

1. Standard Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber; published by the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB); Box 23145, Portland, OR 97281-3145; 503.639.0651; 503.684.8928 (fax); e-mail info@wclib.org 2. Western Lumber Grading Rules; published by Western Wood Products Association (WWPA); Yeon Building, 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland Oregon 97204-2122; 503.224.3930; 503.224.3934 (fax); e-mail info@wwpa.org 3. Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber; published by the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA); 406 First Capital Place, 960 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6G2; 604.524.2393; 604.524.2893; e-mail info@nlga.org

	Alaskan Species Lumber Design Values (2005)
	Alaskan Hemlock Growth Ring Averages