Hemlock Stair Parts are a popular option in 2021.
Hemlock Stair Parts are manufactured from a type of softwood timber. Softwood stair balustrade (such as hemlock and pine) are an excellent, affordably priced alternative to hardwood (oak) for finishing your staircase. This article looks at the reasons why Hemlock Stair Parts are a popular choice in the United Kingdom and a great option in 2021.
Please note, softwood and hardwood timber refer to how the trees reproduce, not the strength of the wood. Hardwood is not necessarily harder or stronger than softwood. However, most types of hardwood are typically denser than softwood and therefore stronger and more durable.
What Is Hemlock?
Hemlock is a softwood timber grown mainly in North America. It is pale brown in colour, non-resinous (not having resin), predominantly knot free and straight grained. Hemlock timber is suitable for stair parts, internal joinery, doors, screens, and feature work. Due to hemlock's uniform density it will absorb a stain easily and does not split or break when being worked with. Its less brittle profile makes it stronger than many hardwoods and is an ideal timber option if you wish to varnish or paint after installation.
FYI: Some people mix hemlock timber with the poisonous hemlock plant Conium maculatum. This is not the case.
Why Hemlock Stairparts?
Hemlock is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, which makes it an ideal timber option for stair parts. The timber is exceptionally light in colour and takes varnish very well. Its clear grain and light colouring also prove popular untreated for many of our customers.
Supplying Hemlock across a range of traditional, contemporary, and modern stair balustrade, we stock Hemlock Spindles, Newel Posts, Newel Bases, Newel Caps, Fittings and Rails. You can browse our full range of products here in our store section, and if you have any questions - please get in touch with a member of our expert team on (01691) 671020 or by email info@blueprintjoinery.co.uk
Top tip: Popular in 2021, our wide range of quality 41mm Hemlock Stair Spindles include Plain Square, Stop Chamfer, Twist and Fluted styles.
Hemlock vs Pine Stairparts
Both timbers are popular options in the United Kingdom this year. Pine is a popular choice for stair parts as it is easy to work with, sand and finish. When finished with a clear varnish, it can give a home a rustic feel. When painted with a colour, it can look very modern.
Hemlock is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, which makes it ideal for stair parts. As mentioned previously, the timber is exceptionally light in colour and absorbs varnish very well.
Below you can find the key differences between hemlock and pine:
| Feature | Hemlock Timber (Softwood) | Pine Timber (Softwood) |
| Strength/ Durability | Strong. Can show scratches and dents from wear | Strong. Can show scratches and dents from wear |
| Colour | Pale brown | Brown/Yellow |
| Grain/Knots | Straight grained and predominantly knot free | Straight grained and knotty |
| Finishing | Staining, varnishing and painting. Also popular untreated | Staining, varnishing and painting |
| Maintenance | Low/medium | Low/medium |
| Cost | Low/medium | Low |
Hemlock vs Oak Stair Parts
Below you can find the key differences between the hemlock and oak:
| Feature | Hemlock Timber (Softwood) | Oak Timber (Hardwood) |
| Strength/ Durability | Strong. Can show scratches and dents from wear | Strong and long lasting |
| Colour | Pale brown | Brown (range from light to dark tones) |
| Grain/Knots | Straight grained and predominantly knot free. | Very grainy |
| Finishing | Staining, varnishing and painting. Also popular untreated | Staining |
| Maintenance | Low/medium | Low |
| Cost | Low/medium | Medium/high |
How Much Do Hemlock Stairparts Cost?
Our prices for Hemlock Spindles start from as little as £10. Most of the styles that we stock in pine and oak are also available in White Primed and Hemlock. Please get in touch with a member of our expert team on (01691) 671020 or by email info@blueprintjoinery.co.uk for prices.
Is Hemlock Stairparts Easy To Clean?
Like other timbers, hemlock is easy to clean. The first step is to wipe any loose dirt and dust from the balustrade. Next, spray a 2:1 water and vinegar solution directly onto the wood and let sit for a minute to penetrate the grime. Take a clean dry microfiber cloth and wipe the mixture, along with the dirt, away.
Conclusion
Supplying Hemlock across a range of traditional, contemporary, and modern stair balustrade, we stock Hemlock Spindles, Newel Posts, Newel Bases, Newel Caps, Fittings and Rails. You can browse our full range of products here in our store section, and if you have any questions - please get in touch with a member of our expert team on (01691) 671020 or by email info@blueprintjoinery.co.uk