The Hem-Fir Species Group

• The Hem-Fir species group is one of six primary groups of commercially-relevant softwood species in the western portion of the United States. These groupings exist to simplify production, engineering, product specification and other factors by combining species that share similar characteristics. The Hem-Fir combination is second in abundance and production values only to the Douglas Fir-Larch group. The species within the Hem-Fir lumber group include western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), California red fir (Abies magnifica), grand fir (Abies grandis), noble fir (Abies procera), Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis and white fir (Abies concolor).
  
  

Hem-Fir Characteristics

• Hem-Fir lumber generally is most desired by persons seeking a strong wood with a very light color. The lumber is a light, creamy, off-white to straw-brown in color. Western hemlock sometimes can have a light lavender cast, and it often contains small, stable black knots and dark streaks. Hem-Fir lumber is resistant to splitting while screwing or nailing, and offers splinter-free sawing, an ability to hold a variety of adhesives, and a combination of strength and stiffness that make it ideal for flooring.
  
  

Uses and Grading

• Hem-Fir lumber grading encompasses basic categories that include lumber for structural framing, which is sorted for strength and physical properties; appearance products, which are graded for aesthetics in non-structural applications; or industrial products, which may be intended for structural or nonstructural applications following re-manufacturing. Hem-Fir can meet many requirements for structural load-bearing and load-carrying for residential, light commercial and heavy construction.
  
  

Western Hemlock

• Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) also sometimes is known commonly as Pacific, west coast or British Columbia hemlock, hemlock-spruce and western hemlock-fir. Western hemlock lumber offers a moderately light weight, as well as moderate strength, stiffness, hardness and shock resistance, but has moderately high shrinkage. Like other members of the Hem-Fir group, western hemlock lumber is used primarily for building materials, like sub-flooring, joists, studding and rafters, and posts and timbers, but western hemlock also can be used for pulpwood and plywood.