softwood · Tsuga canadensis
Eastern Hemlock wood properties
Also known as: canadian hemlock.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Tsuga canadensis |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,200,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.45 |
| Density (approx) | 28 lb/ft³ (2.3 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 500 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.8% / 3% |
| Region | Eastern North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Eastern Hemlock weighs about 9.4 lb (roughly 28 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 500 lbf is harder than about 17% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: construction lumber, framing, boxes, pallets, crates, plywood.
Durability: Non-durable, offering insects an easy and ready target.
Workability: Prone to splintering and planes badly; alternating soft and hard grain sands unevenly; stains, finishes and glues well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Eastern Hemlock:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Eastern Hemlock is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table (which lists western hemlock only), so CT/CR are omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.