Western Hemlock VS Hem-Fir
- Leads on hardness, bending strength, stiffness — a narrow but consistent edge
- Close second across most categories
- Solid choice where its profile fits the project
Visual comparison
Winner by category
There isn't one universally best wood — there's a best wood for each purpose.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | Tie |
| Stability | Tie |
| Hardness | Western Hemlock |
| Strength (MOR) | Western Hemlock |
| Stiffness (MOE) | Western Hemlock |
| Flame spread | Tie |
| Machining ease | Hem-Fir |
| Lightness | Tie |
Engineering data
| Property | Western Hemlock | Hem-Fir |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 540WD lbf | 500grade lbf |
| Density | 0.45FPL g/cm³ | 0.45grade g/cm³ |
| MOE | 11.3FPL GPa | 11.0grade GPa |
| MOR | 78.0FPL MPa | 75.0grade MPa |
| Durability | Class 4 Slightly Durable | Class 4 Slightly Durable |
| Stability | Good | Good |
| Fire (E84) | Class C indicative | Class C indicative |
| Radial Shrink | 4.2WD % | 4.4grade % |
| Tangential Shrink | 7.8WD % | 7.6grade % |
| T/R Ratio | 1.86 | 1.73 |
Figures carry the same source status as the species pages they come from — verified where cited, indicative where marked.
Best for
| Application | Recommended | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring / wear surfaces | 🥇 Western Hemlock | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Furniture / interior joinery | 🥇 Hem-Fir | ★★★★☆ |
| Structural / load-bearing | 🥇 Western Hemlock | ★★☆☆☆ |
Advantages & limitations
Western Hemlock
Advantages relative to Hem-Fir
Limitations relative to Hem-Fir
Hem-Fir
Advantages relative to Western Hemlock
Limitations relative to Western Hemlock
Recommendation
Choose Western Hemlock if…
- Roof decking, laminating stock, mouldings and architectural trim, general construction where either related softwood species performs comparably on the shared Class 4 durability and Class C fire class
- Doors and windows, joinery, flooring, veneer and plywood where the documented specific role of Western Hemlock is what the project is specifying
Choose Hem-Fir if…
- Structural framing and engineered systems, wall studs, floor joists, rafters and trusses where the documented construction-lumber role is the specification
- High-quality case goods, doors, louvres, mouldings and millwork where the working properties are sufficient and cost or availability is the deciding factor
Frequently asked questions
Which is more durable, Western Hemlock or Hem-Fir?
Neither — both carry the same EN 350 rating (Class 4, Slightly Durable). Outdoors, movement will not separate them either — 7.8% against 7.6% tangential. The practical difference is weight: Hem-Fir runs 0.45 g/cm³ against 0.45, so Western Hemlock is the easier fix overhead and the cheaper one to freight.
Which wood is better for outdoor use?
Both are EN 350 Class 4, and tangential movement runs 7.8% for Western Hemlock against 7.6% for Hem-Fir — close enough that decay resistance will not choose between them, and Hem-Fir holds its dimension marginally better. Hardness is effectively level (540 vs 500 lbf), so choose on supply, length and price.
Is Western Hemlock harder than Hem-Fir?
Yes — Janka 540 lbf vs 500 lbf.