Western Softwoods 

Western softwoods are often harvested, manufactured and marketed individually and together in species combinations. Similar appearance characteristics or physical properties allow some species to be used interchangeably in the marketplace.

Douglas fir 

Pseudotsuga menziesii

One of the strongest softwoods, Douglas fir is often the preferred species for structural purposes. Sapwood is white to pale yellow; heartwood is russet with high contrast between springwood and summerwood. Straight grained and moderately hard, it is appropriate for engineered applications and laminated timbers, but also widely used for doors, cabinets, millwork and pallets, boxes, ladders or flooring. Marketed and sold separately, or as Douglas fir-Larch.  Refer to Douglas Fir publication for additional information.

Western larch 

Larix occidentalis

Distinct among commercial softwoods for its fine, uniform, straight grain, Western larch is one of the harder, stronger and heavier softwoods. Heartwood is russet or reddish brown; sapwood is straw brown. Tough fibred and somewhat oily in appearance, it is used principally as structural framing timber and when rotary cut, for veneer and plywood sheathing. Usually marketed and sold as Douglas fir-Larch.

Western hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla 

Western hemlock is among the harder, stronger western softwoods. It is used for framing and architectural members and is a prime species for mouldings, millwork and panelling. Whitish to light yellow-brown springwood, summerwood frequently has a purplish or reddish-brown tinge, heartwood not distinct. Small black streaks often appear in the wood. It is marketed and sold separately, and in the Hem-Fir species combination.  Refer to Western Hem-Fir publication for additional information.