When it comes to building a log home, choosing the right wood is crucial for both durability and aesthetics. Hemlock stands out as an excellent choice for log construction, offering unmatched strength and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective option, a material with high resistance to insects and decay, or wood that is stable and easy to work with, Hemlock has it all.
In this article, we’ll explore ten compelling reasons why Hemlock is the perfect choice for your log home, from its structural strength to its natural resistance to insects, making it an ideal material for both structural and finishing applications.
1. SIZE AND STRENGTH
Hemlock is a structural wood not only used for stacking logs but also for timbers such as girder beams, rafters, valley rafters, collar ties, etc.
2. PRICE
Hemlock is priced less than Northern White Cedar, Western Red Cedar, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
3. SAP FREE WOOD
Hemlock does not have sap like White Pine, Yellow Pine or Spruce. Exterior stain seems to last longer when using a water-based stain compared to White Pine.
4. NATURALLY INSECT RESISTANT
Hemlock is resistant to insects such as termites, powder beetles, and even carpenter bees. When you don’t have carpenter bees, you don’t have woodpeckers.
5. HIGH RESISTANCE TO DECAY
If properly installed, Hemlock does not require any borate or any other chemical treatment.
6. STABILITY
Hemlock is a very stable wood and can be used with a higher moisture content than most other species of wood. Less twisting and shrinkage.
7. LESS CHECKING
Hemlock typically does 80% of its checking in the first year, which is a lot less than White Pine, Spruce, or Yellow Pine.
8. AVAILABILITY
Hemlock is still readily available out of the Northeastern states. Our Hemlock comes from select cants from older-growth trees.
9. AIR DRYING vs. KILN DRYING
Due to the fact that Hemlock has a water moisture content and not a sappy content, cants are air dried instead of kiln dried.
10. MANY USES
Hemlock is also put in our material package for the use of trim, fascia boards, baseboards, tongue and groove, etc.
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