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Stair Supplies

Hemlock Stair Parts

by Andrew Kozlov

Building a staircase out of hemlock is a wonderful way to save money and add touch of classic finesse. Hemlock is technically classified as a softwood. This is a botanical definition, which doesn't suggest much about the wood's workability--it merely tells you that hemlock comes from a needle bearing plant. In terms of its actual porosity, hemlock is considered a medium wood, in that it's workable but not overly so.

In terms of appearance, hemlock can vary greatly. To extract the best and richest color from your hemlock stair parts, you should apply stain or resin. Just make sure that when you fasten your hemlock steps to your stringers, avoid splintering or fracturing the wood. To get further protection, you could bolster your hemlock steps by overlaying a sub rail.

Richly Colored Hemlock Stair Parts

Hemlock is a terrific material for creating balusters. Since hemlock finishes well and doesn't shrink or expand that much depending on humidity and temperature conditions, you can create a snug fitting baluster without worrying about weakening the structural integrity of your balustrade. In addition, hemlock resists abrasion. Your hemlock parts should last you quite a while, provided that you apply the correct finishes.

If you're designing an outside staircase--say, as an attachment to a porch--it's probably smart to reapply stain or resin regularly. That said, hemlock is a somewhat sensitive material. Some stains may obscure the natural graininess of the wood, while others won't offer enough protection against the elements. Talk to your stair parts distributor about proper hemlock care information.

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