Hemlock is rated as low in decay resistance, prone to distinct warping, and shrinks quite a bit. But, if kept dry, any wood is rot resistant.

Is hemlock wood good for outdoor use?

Hemlock is a great wood for outdoor use, as mentioned pests won't get in it and it is very rot resistant.

How long will hemlock wood last?

Hemlock is locally widely used for raised garden beds, fencing, and barn construction and repair. There is no guarantee as to how long the wood will last in the ground, but in the right conditions, some people report that it lasts 5 to 7 years.

Is hemlock as rot resistant as cedar?

I am in the trailwork business and it is common practice (and knowledge I suppose) that hemlock is decent trail wood (bridges and the like) in large part because it is decay resistant (not as good as cedar but better than most others in the Maine forest).

Does hemlock wood need to be sealed?

Seal the hemlock by brushing on a coat of polyurethane. Allow this to harden for roughly eight hours before applying at least one more coat.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WOOD ROT (You need to watch this!!)

16 related questions found

Is hemlock better than cedar?

Cedar is more common in sauna construction than hemlock. It is pliable and strong, and, more than likely, it will last longer than hemlock. Cedar is smooth, so it will make sitting on a sauna's bench more comfortable. ... Hemlock is a stronger wood than cedar, and it resists decay.

Is hemlock weather resistant?

Hemlock is rated as low in decay resistance, prone to distinct warping, and shrinks quite a bit. But, if kept dry, any wood is rot resistant. I saw lots of it for construction lumber.

Is hemlock wood good for anything?

Eastern hemlock is used primarily for lumber and paper pulp. About three-fourths of the hemlock lumber produced is used for light framing, sheathing, roofing, and subflooring.

Is hemlock good siding?

I found that hemlock is more resistant to this mold. It's also harder and more rot resistant. It is nowhere near as rot resistant as cedar, a more common siding material however.

Is hemlock good wood for building?

Hemlock is good for framing lumber as long as it isn't too knotty. ... The customer used hemlock for the floor and roof sheathing, and for siding. We use as much hemlock as we can for our own building projects. If you compare clear hemlock to clear SPF, hemlock is stronger.

Does hemlock last longer than pine?

2 Answers. Pressure treated will last significantly longer. Hemlock performs about the same as Southern Pine and its above ground life is significantly less than treated pine's in ground life. In ground, you can't expect untreated wood to last more than 3-5 years.

What is the most rot resistant wood?

Cedar, redwood, cypress and other naturally rot-resistant woods are often hailed as the premier choice when building outside structures like decks, arbors or saunas.
...
Naturally Rot-Resistant Species:

• Redwood.
• American mahogany.
• Cypress.
• Western red cedar.
• Pacific yew.
• Teak.
• Black walnut.
• White oak.

Is hemlock good for fence posts?

Re: hemlock fence posts? On "ground-contact", Hemlock will only last a few years at best unless it is treated. Above ground, Hemlock will last pretty good, but spraying the fence with oil-based stain or other kind of wood preservative will extend the years for your fence.

Is hemlock good for trailer deck?

Re: What would you use for trailer decking? Of the 3 species you mentioned, I would choose the Hemlock, but take the time to treat it with an oil finish, even the used motor oil will work, but let it soak in good before you use it because it will be slippery for a while.

Is hemlock good for board and batten siding?

The siding should be finished with a semitransparent or opaque oil-based penetrating stain. Hemlock is not a great choice as a siding material.

Does hemlock turn gray?

Hemlock will have a nice white color when freshly sawed but will continue to turn darker.

Is hemlock good for board and batten?

Re: Board and batten vs reverse B&B - pine vs hemlock

Hemlock is a bit more durable than the W/Pine, but both are good. The Hemlock would be less likely to have any oozing pitch.

Can you use hemlock for decking?

Although hemlock is classified as a softwood and cuts smoothly, the wood of a hemlock can be as strong as hardwoods if handled properly before you use it as decking material. A hemlock deck provides a place to gather in nice weather.

Is hemlock wood expensive?

Hemlock is used primarily as a construction timber, and is in good supply. Expect prices to be moderate for a domestic softwood.

Is hemlock good wood for sauna?

Hemlock. Hemlock is an inexpensive sauna wood equivalent to Basswood, but without the peculiar odor of Basswood. Our experience is that it is typically not a good choice for chemically sensitive people due to its odor.

What is the difference between hemlock and oak?

Oak is generally light blonde to brown in colour. It has a distinctive grain without knots. Hemlock is also knot-free, but its grain is more uniform, with a pale brown tone and black vein line.

Is hemlock wood toxic?

Insofar as I am aware, however, hemlock trees aren't toxic — and they don't grow in Greece. The poison hemlock associated with Socrates is an herbaceous plant (Conium maculatum) in the carrot family. ... It is also characterized by a rank odor that's detectable when one is near the plant or has crushed a leaf or stem.

What is the best wood for fence post?

Pine is the most common and, when pressure treated, can last for up to 30 years. Other long-lasting types are Redwood and Sweetgum. Some tree species don't need to be treated and can last up to 25 years.

Is hemlock cheaper than pine?

Pine. Pine is the not as strong as fir or hemlock. Pine has more knots, but it's more affordable that hemlock or fir. Pine has the advantage of aesthetics if you like rustic lumber for paneling, cabinets or furniture.

Is juniper wood rot resistant?

JUNIPER:SUPERIOR DENSITY

In addition to its exceptional decay resistance, juniper is also denser then redwood and western red cedar. This means that it holds up to garden tools, animal scratching and other wear and tear better and longer.