The heartwood of eastern hemlock is pale brown with a reddish hue. The sapwood is not distinctly separated from the heartwood but may be lighter in color. Eastern hemlock splinters easily when worked with tools. It is low in splitting resistance and average in nail holding capacity. It also glues easily and is moderate in paint holding ability.
Eastern hemlock is rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.
It is rated as resistant to preservative treatment. The lumber is used largely in building construction for framing, sheathing, subflooring, and roof boards, and in the manufacture of boxes, pallets, and crates. Working with eastern hemlock may cause dermatitis.