Thorogood’s Douglas Fir comes exclusively from old growth forest stock cut on Vancouver Island and the nearby mainland. With tight, even grain this beautiful Douglas Fir is a true exemplar of why coastal stock is so superior, machining easily and exhibiting unparalleled dimensional stability - we can even supply quarter sawn only stock in widths suitable for most joinery applications.
Description
Long renowned for its superior strength and workability, Douglas Fir has distinctive reddish-brown heartwood, the beauty of which is enhanced by the wood’s sometimes wavy or spiral grain pattern. The timber is non-porous, with a fine to medium texture that yields a beautifully smooth finish. Spring and summer growth often demonstrate clear differences in band colour that lead to a beautifully pronounced grain when plainsawn.
Working Properties
Despite its strength and hardness Douglas Fir is still a softwood and as such machines, turns, planes and shapes well. The timber is excellent when nailed or screwed and takes glue, stains and varnishes satisfactorily. Due to the height of the tree long lengths of timber are often available, which are particularly suited to construction or contemporary flooring. The wood can have a slight dulling effect on cutting edges so care must be taken when finishing.
Physical Properties
Extraordinarily strong in relation to its weight, Douglas Fir bends well and is resistant to shearing under compression. Timber from the pacific coastal areas is heavier, harder, and generally stronger than examples from mountainous regions. Douglas Fir timber dries well and has extremely high dimensional stability when dried.
Durability
Famous for its durability, Douglas Fir stays stable in use and will remain strong and straight without warping, splitting or distortion regardless of atmospheric changes. The timber is also naturally decay resistant and suitable for use in both indoor and exterior areas.
