Early uses of hemlock in Alaska were limited to mine timbers,
rough-sawn lumber, house logs, poles and pilings, railroad and
mine ties and fuel wood. Since the 1950s, hemlock fibers have
been use in the production of specialty dissolving pulp in
Southeast Alaska and are among the finest of raw material for
this use. Western hemlock is relatively hard and is among the
stronger western softwoods. Uses today include framing,
architectural members, trim, roof decking, laminating stock,
moldings, structural lumber, and veneer for plywood. In
comparison with other commonly known construction species, such
as Douglas fir, the wood of western hemlock is moderately light
in weight, moderately low in shock resistance, and has
moderately large shrinkage. Western hemlock is almost tasteless
and odorless when seasoned, making it especially well-suited for
food containers. Western hemlock lumber gives good service in
construction, although it has little resistance to decay.
Western hemlock is somewhat resistant to conventi