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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hemlock products does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries western hemlock in structural framing grades and select appearance grades for interior millwork. Western hemlock is the most abundant commercial lumber species in British Columbia and is widely used throughout western Canada for framing, interior trim, flooring, and general construction lumber applications.
What are the main characteristics of western hemlock?
Western hemlock is a straight-grained softwood with a pale tan colour, fine texture, and moderate density. It is slightly harder and stronger than spruce but similar in workability. Hemlock takes paint well, holds fasteners reliably, and is one of the cleanest-cutting softwoods for trim and millwork applications. It is less resinous than Douglas fir, which makes it easier to paint and prime.
How does hemlock compare to SPF lumber for framing?
Western hemlock is slightly denser and stronger than average SPF (spruce-pine-fir) and is graded under the HF (hem-fir) species group for structural applications. In practice, hemlock and SPF framing lumber perform similarly in standard residential construction. Hemlock is more commonly available in British Columbia and coastal western Canada, while SPF is the dominant framing lumber in the prairie provinces.
Is hemlock a good choice for interior trim and millwork?
Yes. Hemlock is an excellent paint-grade species for interior trim including baseboard, casing, door frames, and window surrounds. It machines cleanly, takes primer and paint well, and is cost-effective compared to hardwood trim alternatives. It is not recommended for stained applications where grain character is important, as it has limited figure and a plain appearance under clear finishes.
Does Windsor Plywood carry hemlock for both framing and finish work?
Yes. Windsor Plywood carries western hemlock in construction grades for framing and in select and finish grades for interior millwork. Availability of specific grades, dimensions, and lengths varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current hemlock stock for your project requirements.