Properties of Hem-Fir

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylia) is coastal British Columbia’s most plentiful species, considered a pioneer species that quickly regenerates in recently harvested areas.  It quickly grows back after forest fires, landslides, or other natural disasters.

Amabalis Fir (Abies amabalis), also known as silver fir, has very similar physical properties as Western Hemlock. 

These two species are generally graded and marketed under a single species group of Hem-Fir (or Hem-Bal) in accordance with the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA).  The wood normally has a fine, even grain, and is a pale grayish white or grayish-yellow, sometimes showing a faint red tone.

Hem-Fir is easily pressure treated for applications where preservative-treated wood is required, such as decking.  The lumber has a light color, excellent machining properties, and a fine straight grain making it the lumber of choice for applications where gluing and staining are required such as paneling, furniture, windows, and doors.  The dense wood fiber of Hem-Fir has the stiffness and strength needed in most industrial and structural applications such as heavy timbers, concrete firms, decking, and framing.

Western Hemlock usually reaches a height of 125 – 160 feet (40 – 50m) and diameters of 2 – 5 feet (60 – 150 cm) whereas Amabalis Fir grows to heights up to 150 – 175 feet but more commonly about 75 – 110 feet (25 - 35m) tall and 18 – 36 inches (45 – 90 cm) in diameter.  While Amabalis Fir, when air dried, weighs about 26 lbs per cubic foot, Western Hemlock weighs in a little heavier at around 30 lbs per cubic foot. 

Western Hemlock is highly valued where its uniform texture provides an even wearing surface.  This characteristic, together with a tendency to harden with age, gives it a light resilient surface that is resistant to splintering and, therefore, making it an ideal wood for gymnasium floors.

Hem-Fir is recognized as one of the best Canadian woods for general construction purposes and industrial uses.