Oregon Douglas Fir

An imported plantation timber mainly used for pergolas and structural framing Douglas Fir is one of the world’s best-known timber species. Native to the west coast of North America, it is forested extensively in timber plantations throughout Europe, New Zealand and South America – regions where the species has become naturalised. Sawn timber from this species is readily available in Australia.

The heartwood of Douglas Fir ranges in colour from yellow through orange to a deep reddish brown. Sapwood is often distinctively paler, occurring in a band from 50 to 75 millimetres in width, depending on the timber’s source. Grain is generally straight, with a pronounced difference in colour between earlywood and latewood that results in a highly distinctive figure on back-sawn surfaces. Texture is often coarse and uneven.

The timber machines and turns well, but planer blades must be kept sharp in order to avoid surface ridging. Care is required with the use of standard fastenings and fittings, as nails may tend to follow the timber’s growth rings. Douglas Fir can be satisfactorily bonded using standard glues and procedures. It is one of the hardest ‘softwoods’ and moderately easy to work. Popular because of its availability in long lengths, it has a high resin content which can work its way out and crystalize on the surface of the timber. To remove, leave to dry then scrape off crystals before coating.

Douglas Fir is only moderately durable, and both sapwood and heartwood resist impregnation with preservatives. The timber lacks termite-resistance and sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack.

Common applications of Douglas Fir include general house framing, flooring and lining. It is also used in joinery, turnery, carving and plywood.

Available in the following sizes: