DOUGLAS FIR

Timbers

The Finest Old Growth, Free of Heart Center (FOHC) Timbers Available

Timber Framing, Posts, Beams & Stringers

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Why Douglas Fir?

Features

  • Superior Quality: Hand selected FOHC (Free of Heart Center) Douglas Fir ensures minimal twisting, cracking, and checking
  • Sustainability: Sourced from responsibily managed forests, promoting smart conservation
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Air-dried to preserve natural beauty and prevent moisture issues
  • Durability: Reliable and stable, perfect for long-lasting construction
  • Peace of Mind: Quality materials from trusted suppliers lead to successful projects

Applications

Beyond Timbers, Douglas Fir is a highly versatile species and commonly used in a wide range of construction projects due to its exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

  • Timber Frame Homes
  • Exposed Beam Ceilings
  • Outdoor Decks & Porches
  • Pergolas & Gazebos
  • Barns & Agricultural Buildings
  • Appearance Grade Boards
  • Interior & Exterior Flooring
  • Interior & Exterior Paneling
  • Custom Patterns

Technical

Grades: No. 1, Dense No. 1, Select Structural
Grading Agency: PLIB (Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau)
Density: 510 kg/m3
Heartwood: Orange red to reddish brown
Sapwood: Yellowish white
Radial Shrinkage: 4.5%
Tangential Shrinkage: 7.3%
Species: Pseudotsuga menziesii
Tree Characteristics: Up to 300 ft tall with diameters of 15-18 ft . . . wow!
Geographic Area: Western North America
Grain/Texture: Generally straight or slightly wavy, medium to coarse texture with moderate luster
Durability: Douglas Fir heartwood is rated moderately durable in regard to decay
Finishing: Easily takes stains and paints
Douglas Fir has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wood species on the planet.

Unmatched Strength OF FOHC Douglas Fir


Douglas Fir is highly sought after due to its exceptional structural qualities and aesthetic appeal. Free of heart center (FOHC) Douglas Fir timbers are especially valued for their uniformity and strength. These timbers, which are free from the tree’s pith, or center, offer superior stability and resistance to warping, twisting, and splitting. This makes them ideal for structural applications where precision and durability are crucial. Additionally, FOHC Douglas Fir’s consistent quality and attractive appearance make it a preferred choice for high-quality construction.

Meticulously Air Dried

When Douglas Fir is air-dried rather than kiln-dried it retains its natural moisture content and color better, reducing the risk of excessive cracking or shrinking. This slow drying process enhances the wood’s visual characteristics, preserving its natural grain and aesthetic appeal. Air-dried Douglas Fir is favored for projects where the visual qualities of the wood are paramount, such as in exposed beams or detailed woodworking. This method also aligns with sustainable practices, ensuring the wood’s longevity and performance in various construction environments. Together, these qualities underscore Douglas Fir’s reputation as a versatile and reliable building material.

Our Grading

Our Douglas Fir Timbers are graded for structural use. All our timbers are grade stamped on one end with the grade, Select Structural, or No. 1 Structural, with approximately 70% of the timbers Select Structural, and 30% No. 1 Structural.

RENEWING A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Using salvage logs from the forest floor ensures a renewable resource, while the careful selection process guarantees superior clear grades with a fine ring count indicative of slow, stable growth. These qualities contribute to the superior durability and aesthetic appeal of our Douglas Fir offerings.