Douglas fir wood is also known as Oregon pine and Colombian pine. Due to the specialty of Douglas fir wood, it has more use than other softwood lumber. It is native to western North America. It is found in large quantities in the area of Europe, New Zealand, and South America.
Douglas-Fir is moderately durable and rot resistant, but is susceptible to insect attack. It is native to Western North America. Douglas’s wood color varies from orange to dark red-brown. The Douglas Fir is globally acclaimed for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It is used for general and unusual purposes, such as beams and plywood. Douglas cedar wood is mostly used for glue-laminated beams (glulam).
There is not much need to do to increase the durability of this wood. Because It is naturally durable, it is more durable than other softwoods. Because of this wood’s high density and resin content, it is easier to work with a machine.
Douglas Fir Wood Properties
| Moisture Content | 15-16% |
| Durability | Moderately durable |
| Exterior use | yes |
| Interior use | yes |
| Workability | Easy |
| Applications | Flooring, boat, siding, ceiling, etc |
| Seasoned Density | 550kg/m³ |
| Unseasoned Density | 700kg/m³ |
- Good strength and practicality
- The machine is easy to work with Douglas fir wood. Curving grows well on this wood.
- Excellent screw and nail holding.
- Having the right amount of moisture.
Douglas Fir Wood Uses
As we know, Douglas fir wood is the perfect wood for wooden work. Douglas Fir Timber can be used in both exterior and interior to fulfill many needs.
Interior Uses
- Wood is used for doors, door frames, window frames, beds, small and large tables, and Almira.
- No poisonous chemicals are found in this wood. So Douglas Fir Timber is used to make vegetable cutting boards and kitchen platforms.
- Douglas Fir Wood is a long-lasting wood species, so we can easily use this wood for flooring, which will last centuries.
- It holds wood polish, paint, and glue well. The sandpaper and polish give it a rich wooden look so that you can use this wood for wooden walls and indoor wooden art.
- Millwork: The small piece of fir wood is also quite strong. Leading to many use in millwork, such as Chair Rail, Appliques & Onlays, Wood Crown Molding, Wood Ceiling Medallions, Bun Feet, and much more.
Exterior Uses
- Douglas Fir Wood lasts long after exposure to water. Therefore, this wood has been used in boat making, bridge parts, and at the port for a long time.
- Due to its strength, the Douglas-fir is mainly used for building and construction. This wood is protected from the effects of weather for a long time so that there is the perfect wood for the siding and roof of the house.
- We know that plywood is an important construction material and has the strength of wood. Douglas Fir Wood is used extensively in making plywood.
- Douglas Fir timber is also used for significant construction side play sports because it makes the screw and nails a strong base for the grip, which helps a lot in construction.
Advantages of Douglas Fir Wood
Douglas fir is known to be the most robust among softwood varieties. It is suitable to use both exterior and interior. Here I am going to share some advantages.
Chemical-free: yes, safety comes first. Douglas Fir Timber does not have any chemicals to cause any damage to the workers working in the construction.
- Gloves and goggles are not required to avoid contact with harmful chemicals.
- Food does not need to take special precautions to avoid chemicals.
Moisture resistance: We can use it easily wherever we want. It does not absorb water like a sponge, And it dries on-site in two weeks when there is moisture.
Strength and Stiffness: Douglas-fir has superior strength and hardness to pine. It is well suited for structural beams, trusses, boats, musical instruments, and roofs.
Decay resistance: High resistance to decay when used in wall framing and siding (but not suited to in-ground or heavy rainy outdoor conditions).
No harmful smoke: Douglas burns fir wood without any risk because it has not released any toxic smoke.
Disadvantages of Douglas Fir Wood
Every wood has its advantages as well as some drawbacks. So we should know before using any wood. Douglas Fir Wood also has some disadvantages, which I will share.
Cost: Douglas fir timber is a softwood species. But its price is higher than other softwoods in the market.
Maintenance: Douglas Fir Wood is softwood, which is highly prone to dents and scratches. To protect the wood from outdoor elements, apply polish or paint.
FAQ
Is Douglas Fir Wood Expensive?
Douglas fir wood is readily available and moderately expensive, ranging in price from $4.50 to $19.00. it is cheaper than oak. However, the cost of wood depends on many factors, such as location and grade. You can get Douglas fir cheap in Western North America because it is the native place.
Is Douglas Fir Wood Suitable For Decking?
Douglas Fir Wood is a preferred wood species for decking, as it is moderately durable and easy to work with due to its lightweight. But it is susceptible to insect attack, so it should be treated to prevent deterioration before use.
What is Pressure-Treated Douglas Fir?
Pressure-treated douglas fir wood is treated with a preservative chemical to protect it from decay and insects such as termites. Pressure-treated Douglas Fir wood costs more than ordinary douglas fir.
Read our other articles:
Flexi Plywood Properties, Uses, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Comments are closed.