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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Staircase timber. https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1091750896 Message started by The_Trician on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:08am

Title: Staircase timber.
Post by The_Trician on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:08am

What are your views on the use of Hemlock for constructing staircases?
Neighbour's just had one done and it looks quite nice.
They wanted pirrana pine but the firm told em that there's a global shortage of the stuff hence the use of hemlock instead?

TT

Title: Re: Staircase timber.
Post by Dewy on Aug 6^th, 2004, 1:26am

I used to joke about hemlock being poisonous but that's a different plant.
Hemlock is highly prized among those who use it.
It's deffinitely not poisonous like the water dropwort hemlock that killed Socrates.
Turners use it for salad bowls.

Title: Re: Staircase timber.
Post by The_Trician on Aug 6^th, 2004, 2:03pm

So its a go-er for staircase construction the?

TT

Title: Re: Staircase timber.
Post by jasonB on Aug 6^th, 2004, 6:02pm

It is oftem used for newel posts and balusters, can't think of any reason for not using it for the rest of the staircase.

Jason

Title: Re: Staircase timber.
Post by splinter on Aug 6^th, 2004, 6:03pm

YOu might find there is a difference between western and eastern hemlock.Both are traditionly used for carcassing ,form work and making crates etc.Western Hemlock is sligthly superior to eastern hemlock and has a more attractive grain. :)

Title: Re: Staircase timber.
Post by The_Trician on Aug 6^th, 2004, 7:59pm

It certainly looks the bizz - they've just finished it off today and it looks lovely.

TT