Hemlock
type of wood
Definition of Hemlock
Light reddish-brown softwood from Hemlock trees growing on the coast of British Columbia.
Some of its properties include that it's fairly porous, non-durable—prone to decay and insect attacks—straight-grained with an uneven texture, and unlike Canadian Red Cedar, has no discernible smell.
Because of its low durability, Hemlock isn’t appropriate to use outdoors for long. However, its durability can be extended by applying sealants or other protective finishes since it readily accepts polish.
Additionally, Hemlock has a very low to medium propensity for shrinkage so it won’t warp or swell when exposed to high temperatures.
It’s often used in sauna interiors, including the walls, benches, and backrests since it's cheaper than Canadian Red Cedar, is readily available, and has an attractive appearance.
Some high-quality saunas that include Hemlock wood construction include Maxxus 2-Person Infrared Sauna, Barcelona Infrared Sauna, and Maxxus Seattle Infrared Sauna.
Example of “Hemlock” in a Sentence
Saunas made of Hemlock don’t cause respiratory issues as the wood is non-resinous.
Synonyms: Western Hemlock
Related Terms for Hemlock