Description

Use: used for construction, for internal fixtures and carpentry. In the United States and Canada, it is used for paper pulp and the manufacture of sulphite pulp. It was once also used for tanning leather, given the high percentage of tannins in the bark.

Characteristics: sapwood slightly lighter than the heartwood but difficult to tell apart. The heartwood is whitish-yellowish, sometimes with darker shades. In addition to the Tsuga Heterophyla typical of Western America, there are other varieties such as Tsuga Canadensis (typical of Eastern Canada, which is less strong) and Tsuga Mertensiana (also called Mountain Hemlock, which is harder and heavier).

Drying: drying is rather long due to the high level of humidity found in the fresh wood.

Surface: fine to medium texture, straight and regular grain.

Gluing: glue joints are particularly easy, pre-drilling is recommended when using screws and nails.