Douglas Fir LumberDouglas Fir lumber is straight grained and strong. One of the primary tree species in coastal British Columbia, it is extremely resilient and a favorite of developmental silviculturists due to its fast growth and high market demand. Wood of choice to builders, Douglas Fir possesses optimum characteristics making it ideal all-around choice for residential, commercial and heavy duty timber construction. The appeal measures largely in its long, straight trunk and the fact that approximately two-thirds of the tree is free of branches making for a high per-tree yield of clear wood. Because Douglas Fir wood is dimensionally stable it can be used in its unseasoned state and let dry or season throughout the construction process, or can be purchased kiln dried. For custom or mill work, remanufacturing or laminate, it is often kiln or air dried to bring its moisture content to optimum levels to insure preservation. Resilience, hardness and density result in its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and make it ideal for framing construction and as supporting load-bearing members. The straight, dense grain translates into ability to hold a nail and excellent curative properties mean it's not likely to warp or split thus increasing structural longevity. More recently Douglas Fir wood has been applauded for its appearance grade characteristics. Cabinet Makers and finish carpenters have recognized its unique aesthetic properties and fine composition that, combined with strength and durability, make it a natural for flooring, paneling, windows and finishing, joinery, fine trim for doors and even the doors themselves. Its light colour and grain signatures composed by growth patterns leave it with a marbled palate of light blonde to a darker red-brown that age nicely to accent any well-thought décor. The versatile and multifaceted nature of Douglas Fir Lumber enable structural and non-structural grades mostly harvested from younger timber stands, to clear or appearance grades taken from more mature trees. |
|