Redwood vs. Hemlock: Which Timber Suits Your Door Project?

Few choices have a greater influence on the outcome than selecting the appropriate wood for your doors. The material you choose has an impact on your doors' cost, performance, durability, and appearance. Redwood and hemlock, two softwoods with unique benefits, are among the most popular choices for UK homeowners and joiners.

Both types of wood are frequently utilised for custom joinery projects, doors, frames, and architraves both inside and outside. Which one, nevertheless, is best for your project?

This thorough guide will help you make an informed decision that meets your practical and aesthetic demands by comparing Redwood and Hemlock in terms of appearance, durability, cost, workability, sustainability, and long-term upkeep.

---

1. Understanding the Basics: What Are Redwood and Hemlock?

It's useful to know what these two timbers are and where they originate from before making any comparisons.

Redwood (Scots Pine or European Redwood)

Redwood, sometimes referred to as Scots Pine or European Redwood, is a softwood that is mostly found in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Despite its name, it is not related to the "redwood" species found in America; rather, it is valued for its strength, warmth, and affordability.

Redwood is a staple in the UK timber market, often used for:

• Internal and external door frames

• Skirting boards and architraves

• Stair components

• Furniture and cabinetry

Hemlock (Western Hemlock)

Hemlock is a softwood from North America that is mostly imported from the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada. Hemlock is a popular choice for interior joinery and custom door projects because of its even, smooth texture and light colouring.

It’s particularly valued for:

• Its straight grain and lack of knots

• Excellent staining and painting properties

• Its elegant, modern appearance

---

2. Appearance: Colour, Grain, and Aesthetic Qualities

When choosing timber for doors, the visual appeal often plays a major role. Let’s look at how these two woods compare aesthetically.

Redwood Appearance

• Colour: Warm, light reddish-brown with golden tones

• Grain: Straight to slightly irregular with visible growth rings

• Texture: Moderately coarse but rich and characterful

Redwood has a naturally inviting and traditional look, ideal for classic interiors or heritage properties. The warm tones work beautifully with natural finishes, oils, or stains that highlight the wood grain.

Hemlock Appearance

• Colour: Pale cream to light brown

• Grain: Very straight and uniform, minimal knots

• Texture: Smooth and fine-grained

Hemlock's understated elegance complements contemporary and minimalist decor, particularly when it is painted or stained in muted tones. It is a popular option for upscale custom doors due to its dependability.

Verdict:

• Choose Redwood for a warmer, rustic, or traditional aesthetic.

• Choose Hemlock for a clean, modern, and uniform appearance.

---

3. Durability and Strength

Durability determines how well your door will resist wear, moisture, and movement over time.

Redwood Durability

Redwood is a softwood with a medium density that is strong enough for both indoor and outdoor use. Because it is naturally resinous, it has some resistance against moisture and rot, particularly in grades that are higher quality and have more heartwood.

Even outside, redwood may endure for decades with the right care and attention. Untreated sapwood sections, however, may be prone to decay.

Hemlock Durability

Redwood is more naturally resistant to decay than hemlock, which is also a medium-density softwood. Hemlock is therefore better suited for joinery and inside doors than for exterior uses.

Nevertheless, its stability and absence of resin make it incredibly resilient to warping when used indoors.

Verdict:

• External doors: Redwood (especially when treated or painted).

• Internal doors: Hemlock (for stability and smoothness).

---

4. Workability: How Easy Are They to Machine and Finish?

Both timbers are popular among joiners because they’re easy to work with — but there are some key differences.

Redwood Workability

• Machines well and holds nails/screws securely.

• Can have resin pockets, which may clog cutting tools.

• Takes stains and finishes well, though visible grain may affect smooth paints.

Hemlock Workability

• Exceptionally easy to cut, shape, and sand.

• Minimal resin content — tools stay cleaner.

• Excellent for fine joinery and painted finishes due to uniform grain.

Verdict:
Hemlock wins for painted or detailed work, while Redwood suits natural finishes and heavier joinery.

---

5. Stability: How Well Do They Resist Movement?

Timber naturally expands and contracts with humidity, but the degree of movement varies by species.

• Redwood: Moderately stable; benefits from kiln-drying and sealing.

• Hemlock: More stable; less prone to warping or twisting.

For internal doors, where environmental changes are milder, both perform well — but Hemlock has the edge in precision joinery due to its predictable behaviour.

---

6. Cost Comparison

Budget is a practical factor that can influence your choice.

 

Redwood offers excellent value for money, especially for large-scale projects. Hemlock, while more expensive, provides a superior finish that appeals to homeowners seeking luxury aesthetics.

---

7. Maintenance Requirements

Redwood Maintenance

• Requires regular sealing or painting for outdoor use.

• Interior applications need only light maintenance (re-oiling or re-varnishing).

• Natural resin content provides some moisture protection.

Hemlock Maintenance

• Very low maintenance indoors.

• Not recommended for outdoor exposure without protective treatment.

• Holds finishes extremely well, meaning less frequent repainting.

Verdict:
Redwood requires more upkeep outdoors, while Hemlock remains stable indoors with minimal effort.

---

8. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Redwood Sustainability

Most European Redwood sold in the UK is FSC or PEFC certified, meaning it’s sourced from sustainably managed forests in Scandinavia. The species grows relatively quickly and regenerates easily.

Hemlock Sustainability

Additionally, Western Hemlock is harvested sustainably, mostly from Canadian managed forests. Although it is readily accessible and certified by the FSC, its lengthier transportation route results in a higher carbon footprint than Redwood that is acquired locally.

Verdict:
Both are sustainable, but Redwood is the more eco-friendly choice for UK buyers due to reduced transportation emissions.

---

9. Performance in Different Door Types

A. Internal Doors

Hemlock is the material of choice for interior doors because of its homogeneous grain and smooth feel, particularly when a painted or elegant finish is desired.

Redwood is also suitable for interior application, especially if a natural wood look is desired.

B. External Doors

For external use, Redwood is superior thanks to its natural resin content and better weather resistance. Treated Redwood offers excellent longevity in the British climate.

C. Fire Doors

Both timbers can be used for veneered fire doors, but this depends on manufacturer construction and certification standards rather than timber type alone.

D. Glazed Doors

Hemlock is ideal for glazed doors due to its stability and clean joinery properties, allowing for precise glass insert fitting.

---

10. Finishing and Aesthetic Flexibility

Both timbers offer diverse finishing options depending on your style.

Redwood Finishes

• Oil or wax to highlight the natural grain

• Varnish for added protection

• Paint for colour flexibility (requires sealing knots first)

Hemlock Finishes

• Stain for rich depth and colour consistency

• Paint for modern, minimalist looks

• Clear lacquer to showcase its fine grain

Because Hemlock lacks knots, it delivers a smoother and cleaner painted finish than Redwood — a key reason it’s favoured for contemporary interiors.

---

11. Pros and Cons Summary

---

12. Choosing Between Redwood and Hemlock: Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: Renovating a Country Cottage

You want doors that blend with traditional oak furniture and rustic décor.
Choose: Redwood
Its warm tones and visible grain complement natural interiors beautifully.

Scenario 2: Designing a Modern City Apartment

You prefer sleek, painted finishes and minimalist design.
Choose: Hemlock
It delivers a flawless finish with no knots or grain inconsistencies.

Scenario 3: Building External Front Doors

Weather resistance and durability are top priorities.
Choose: Redwood (treated and painted)
Its resin content offers natural protection against moisture.

Scenario 4: Creating Bespoke Interior Joinery

You’re working on fitted wardrobes, stairs, or internal frames.
Choose: Hemlock
It’s easy to machine and offers a refined, consistent appearance.

---

13. Expert Tips for Working with Redwood and Hemlock

• Always seal the ends of cut timber to prevent moisture ingress.

• For Redwood, apply knot sealer before painting.

• Use fine-grit sandpaper for Hemlock to achieve a perfectly smooth finish.

• When staining, test on offcuts first — both timbers absorb stain differently.

• Treat external Redwood with high-quality exterior paint or oil-based preservative.

---

14. Real-World Applications and Design Inspiration

Redwood Door Examples

• Victorian-inspired panel doors with rich mahogany stains.

• Cottage-style stable doors finished in Danish oil.

• Rustic barn doors with visible wood knots and textured finishes.

Hemlock Door Examples

• Modern shaker doors painted in soft grey or white.

• Glazed interior doors for open-plan homes.

• Bespoke joinery doors with slim profiles and smooth edges.

Both timbers can be styled to suit luxury, traditional, or contemporary kitchens and interior designs.

---

15. Redwood vs. Hemlock for Door Frames and Accessories

Your choice of timber should also extend to door frames, skirting, and architraves for a cohesive look.

• For painted trim, Hemlock’s uniformity is unbeatable.

• For stained or natural finishes, Redwood provides better warmth and grain interest.

Combining both can also work — for example, using Redwood for the door and Hemlock for painted architraves.

---

16. Availability in the UK Market

Both Redwood and Hemlock are readily available from UK timber merchants and online door suppliers such as:

• Door Supplies Online

• Leader Doors

• Direct Doors

• Door Superstore

• Express Doors Direct

Many bespoke joineries and kitchen manufacturers also offer these timbers as standard for in-frame kitchens, internal doors, and custom furniture.

---

17. Environmental Durability in the UK Climate

The UK’s humid climate demands timber that can withstand moisture variations.

• Redwood, when treated, performs exceptionally well outdoors.

• Hemlock, though stable indoors, can degrade quickly if exposed to moisture without sealing.

Thus, location and ventilation are key factors when deciding between the two.

---

18. Maintenance & Longevity Comparison Table

---

19. Expert Verdict

When comparing Redwood vs. Hemlock, the right choice ultimately depends on your project goals.

• For traditional warmth, external durability, and cost-efficiency, choose Redwood.

• For refined interiors, flawless finishes, and long-term stability, choose Hemlock.

Both are excellent timbers — and when sourced responsibly, each provides exceptional value and sustainability for UK homes.

---

20. Conclusion

Function, finish, and feel are the main factors that determine whether you choose Hemlock or Redwood.

Redwood has a timeless appeal that makes it ideal for doors that honour traditional craftsmanship and natural grain. It is weatherproof, sturdy, and reasonably priced, making it perfect for outdoor or rustic interior uses.

Conversely, hemlock is a sophisticated and elegant wood that is preferred for painted treatments, modern interiors, and custom joinery projects where attention to detail is crucial.

Whichever you decide on, both types of wood add inherent beauty, durability, and quality to your house, improving not only your doors but also the overall feel of your living area.

---

For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today, or email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.