Is hemlock wood safe to use in Coop Construction

[3riverschick]

Please,
We found a real good deal on rough sawn killed dried Hemlock wood. 1 by 8 and 1 by 10 boards. we want to make a board and batten Coop out of it
is this a good idea? thanks for your help,
Karen

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Hemlock poison is not from hemlock trees if that is your concern. It's a poisonous plant.

Hemlock is a fine board to use, a bit on the chattery side for woodworking and structurally better suited as a post. These attributes have nothing to do with use as board and batton siding. You're good to go and congratulations on the find of deal.

I'd use an all oil wood toner for longevity and beauty. Cabot Timber Oil is a good product if you can find the real oil in your area. Honey teak is one of my favorite colors in that product. Otherwise just a linseed or teak oil or straight penetrol will do. The water clean up products really don't last on exterior.

 

[3riverschick]

Thanks so much Egghead jr. . I really appreciate this ! my husband is a wood worker and I'm sure he can find those sealers for the wood . I was worried if it might harm the birds if they pecked the wood. this is exciting , we found a place to get it rough cut and kiln-dried for 98 cents a board foot. We plan to build 2 open air coops.
Thanks so much,
Karen