Many old barns and granaries in the Western Rocky Mountains were built with Douglas fir, and theyre still standing strong over 200 years later. Prone to Splitting and Warping: Douglas Fir has a tendency to split and warp, especially if not properly dried and stored. You need to be extremely careful when transporting, handling, and milling Douglas fir wood since it gets damaged easily even with small forces. While its easy to refinish, it can be marred, dented, and scratched relatively easily. Translation: neither one of these woods makes for the most scratch-resistant flooring, nor are they the best wood flooring for dogs. A year is plenty of time to season your Douglas fir but it can be ready for winter if you cut, split and stack it in the early spring. First among them: is there waterproof laminate flooring? Douglas fir has a natural resistance to rot. There is a fairly wide range of information concerning the amount of heat energy Douglas fir produces. So if you want your Douglas fir floors to last a lifetime, you may want to go for solid planks. If you let the dirt settle in Douglas Fir, it can incur damage over time. Of all the types of flooring you could choose, Douglas fir has a lot to offer. You can get Douglas fir cheap in Western North America because it is the native place. Besides its softness, the materials lack of density gives it less stability than hardwood selections. Prone to dents and cracks. The fact is that all firewood creates some amount of creosote. Better a planned than an unplanned felling though. Reclaimed Douglas fir flooring has been getting more and more popular, and its easy to see why. Of course, if youre keen on installing some creative wood floor patterns, you can always buy shorter planks instead. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Doulas fir is softwood with less density and hardness than many other kinds of wood that we use in our woodworking projects. People love to have wood that is not too heavy and with a good amount of strength. The Douglas Fir tree can grow up to 330 feet tall, making it one of the tallest trees in the world. Going for a brand with a known name will guarantee the materials quality and help you avoid getting duped by a substandard lumber piece. Because of this, this softwood will likely attract infestation and lose its stability over it. Due to the straight grain, it is widely used for pulpwood. Friendly Community. Its strength compared to its relatively low weight makes plywood an ideal building material for many purposes, not to mention that it's relatively easy to transport as well. Because constant exposure to water, infestations, UV rays, mold, and other external elements can weaken its structure. Secondly, wood chips are very affordable, and may even be free. A Guide to Peel-and-Stick Carpet Tiles (& 9 Reasons Theyre Amazing). Bagged bark products are readily available at any garden center. Douglas Fir wood has a distinctive reddish-brown color with a straight, uniform grain pattern. You must also store it properly or place it in a stable space to transport it safely. Douglas Fir Wood also has some disadvantages, which I will share. Many modern woodworkers prefer its lightweight construction with enough durability within its structure. Your email address will not be published. They spread all over the wood quickly if you didnt take the necessary steps and ruin your furniture within a few weeks. There are two types of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga manziesii) and they differ in where they are grown and how well they adapt to specific construction uses and neither type is a true fir. Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight, or slightly wavy. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. You can reapply once yearly, but only if you did the process correctly. . Wood-burning stoves provide a natural way for home owners to heat their residence, which is one of the advantages of firewood. Therefore, make sure to apply a properly suitable wood finisher on Douglas fir furniture as quickly as possible to protect it before insects go inside the wood. Basically, timber or Lumber is a wood or firewood of growing trees. Given its resistance to decay, its no surprise many woodworkers use this softwood material for outdoor projects. 7. In this article, were going to look at each of the above disadvantages of Douglas fir in-depth and see how to fix and overcome those drawbacks to get the best outcome. Therefore, better to apply wood conditioner first and then go for wood staining to get a good protective layer with an enhanced look. Although it is a popular wood with multiple benefits, there are some drawbacks to using Douglas Fir. You must finish and treat the wood properly with a proper wood finisher to keep the wood protected even under a high moisture environment. In this post, our resident woodworkers will touch base on the disadvantages of Douglas Fir wood and determine how to make it a valuable material in your workshop. 8. Hard to find. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. While not inherently waterproof in the way some other wood flooring options are, fir has a hidden talent: a high modulus of elasticity. When it comes to availability, Douglas fir pros and cons are very similar to teak flooring pros and cons. Therefore, you need to have good patience when working with Douglas fir since it is so sensitive, and scratches and cracks appear quite easily. Because of its structure, the wood will likely crumble under extreme pressure and impact. This post may contain references or links to products from one or more partners of our parent company and/or subsidiaries of our parent company. #. High-quality Douglas fir is sometimes known as Clear Vertical Grain or CVG because its grain is so uniform. And we mean cool. However, the cost of wood depends on many factors, such as location and grade. If you must order online, your best bet is the famous manufacturer websites. It also offers a significantly shorter life span, so some woodworkers prefer harder woods over Douglas Fir. Had to remove this once beautiful Douglas fir. As we've experimented with ways to cut down on potential damage . This doesnt just make it a lightweight and strong floor; it also makes it resistant to decay. Turns out it was all Douglas Fir. Douglas cedar wood is mostly used for glue-laminated beams (glulam). Therefore, it cannot bare high forces and is unable to use for large constrictions. Durability is not a perk you can expect for a softwood like Douglas Fir, especially if you didnt apply any protective treatment over its surface. Cost: Douglas fir timber is a softwood species. Douglas fir wood is also known as Oregon pine and Colombian pine. Attractive Appearance: Douglas Fir has a distinctive reddish-brown color and a straight, uniform grain pattern that can add a rustic or natural look to a project. Were not talking fake wood flooring here eitherwere talking about stuff like cork and bamboo. Because its density is not high. Its Average Dried Weight is 32 lbs/ft3 (510 kg/m3). The wood itself is considerably less expensive than Douglas fir. Gloves and goggles are not required to avoid contact with harmful chemicals. While many owners prefer using wood as source of energy in log-burning stoves over electric heating options, burning split logs does not come without . The members come in 20-foot lengths (not in precut sizes like dimensional lumber), which means more cutting on site, more labor, and more waste. Youll find that Douglas fir doesnt have the highest BTUs like some of the hardwoods out there like White Oak (25.7 BTUs) and Hickory (27.7 BTUs), but it is comparable to many of them. Purchase Douglas Fir lumber that was inspected to craft a durable and aesthetically pleasing workpiece successfully. It is a premier building product for a wide range of applications. In addition to its practical uses, Douglas Fir wood has also been used in artistic and creative applications, such as sculpture and woodturning. According to the Janka hardness ratings, Douglas fir has a Janka hardness rating of 710 lbf (3,158 N) which is lower than Oak, Teak, Mahogany, Cherry, Birch, and Ash. Douglas Fir Wood also has some disadvantages, which I will share. Its susceptibility to damage from impacts, vulnerability to insect attacks, and poor durability can pose challenges. One sign that your firewood is still green and not seasoned is that the bark will be firmly attached to the log. Given its vulnerabilities, its clear that this softwood is unsuitable for hard-wearing applications. Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly, Husqvarna 460 Rancher Review Pros & Cons, Features(2023), Husqvarna 120 Mark II Review Is This 14-Inch Chainsaw Worth it? Yes, its okay for Douglas Fir wood to get wet or undergo high moisture exposure. Your email address will not be published. It holds wood polish, paint, and glue well. On top of that, this bug also lays egg galleries over it. Glad you are happy with your firewood this year! The protective sealer helps to keep the wood away from temperature changes, humidity changes, winter days, harsh weather conditions, and many more. It also means that the average cost to install engineered wood flooring is lower than the average cost to install solid wood flooring. Because It is naturally durable, it is more durable than other softwoods. Its absolutely stunning, its super durable, it tends to have very few knots (which can weaken a floor), it has a distinctive lovely grain we could go on forever, but in the interest of clarity, well dive into each of these factors in detail below. So, lets answer some frequently asked questions as well. Douglas fir is described as one of the easiest splitting firewood choices available. Because of this woods high density and resin content, it is easier to work with a machine. Douglas fir trees are among the most essential timber resources on the planet. This wood is also known as Ochroma. A career in television writing, as a magazine contributor and editor and celebrity interviewer, Jann adapts to her environment, having traveled the world, living overseas and packing and unpacking her treasures for a new location over 30 times. 1. Proper handling, and storing are must when working with sensitive woods like Douglas fir. The green wood has a humidity of 35% -45% depending on the essence, and after the drying process its humidity is . Most varieties have the potential to grow up to 70 feet tall with a 12-20 foot spread. Dont get fooled by the low-quality ones youll see at some local stores. When installed, these planks give your floors a softer, smoother, and more uniform appearance. Keep reading to learn more about Fir and whether you want to choose it as your firewood. Fir has a very straight grain. The materials porous construction and distinct texture make it slightly difficult to stain, paint, or finish. As you can see Douglas fir is filled with lots of benefits that are important in various indoor and outdoor woodworking projects. By keeping the Douglas fir surface clean with regular application of sealant or finish, you can prevent moisture from going inside the Douglas fir and stop wood from warping and rotting. I like wood recycling. Termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles and wood-devouring fungi are all common wood-destroying pests. We know that plywood is an important construction material and has the strength of wood. Below, well answer all of those questionsand moreso you can decide whether Douglas fir flooring is right for you. But on the other hand, therere some disadvantages of Douglas fir wood as well which are important to know. Considering this dilemma, you should apply a wood conditioner to enhance the materials adhesion and durability. Douglas fir is one of those subtle-but-amazing types of wood flooring that you dont hear about too often. Now you have a clear in-depth idea about the disadvantages of Douglas fir with relevant solutions. It is a stage in the process of wood . It doesnt have as strong of a scent as Cedar, but is smells much better than some firewoods, like Cottonwood, that are known for smelling like cat pee when burnt wet. Trees can grow up to 140 . Pressure-treated douglas fir wood is treated with a preservative chemical to protect it from decay and insects such as termites. Dry fit test of the desk. However, you must know that these procedures can only protect your workpieces for a limited time. Any wood capable of yielding a minimum dimensional size can be termed as a timber or lumber. Sealants or finishers help Douglas fir to bare and tolerate scratches and dents without leaving marks on the surface. Properly maintain your chimney so that it wont catch on fire. The Douglas Fir tree can grow up to 330 feet tall, making it one of the tallest trees in the world. It is native to Western North America. You can remedy this dilemma by applying protective sealants or finishing products. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But make sure to apply wood finisher regularly to keep the protection constantly over years and years. Douglas fir has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any wood species in the world. Being a softwood, working with hand and machine tools is easy. Pine wood has good strength, density, and bending strength. Lower BTU Content. This is because of its high versatility and high strength-to-weight ratio. Once that happens, the material will shrink and reduce its lumber life. Besides the resistance against harsh temperatures and climates, these finishes also enhance Douglas Firs aesthetics. However, its important to note that Douglas Fir isnt as affordable as other wood options under its category. Douglas fir is softwood with lots of benefits. They are evergreens which mean they have leaves all year long and stay green. It is a coniferous tree species that is native to the western United States and Canada, and is commonly found in forests throughout the Pacific Northwest region. Fir is one of the worlds best-known timber species. Plywood, lumber, railroad ties, flooring, fence posts and even furniture are a common use of Douglas fir. The three woods are often a combination of hemlock, spruce and Douglas fir, and sometimes marketed generically as Hem-fir, hem-fir-spruce, or even spruce-pine-fir. Sure, there are some disadvantages of floating floorsbut installation is not one of them. Plus, make sure to apply them regularly to have a good appearance over many years of use. For more information,visit this page. Just make sure your firewood is seasoned properly before burning it. Having good scratch resistance is important when it comes to flooring applications. What are the physical properties of Douglas fir wood? If a particular wood has high wear resistance, that means it has a high score on the Janka hardness scale. Had an arborist come by and, sadly, we will have to remove one of the glorious 110 foot Douglas Fir trees from the new property. It is an excellent versatile softwood used for almost all wood projects. Unlike other wood types, the potential damage can leave more apparent marks. Pressure-treated Douglas Fir wood costs more than ordinary douglas fir. Most softwoods are cheaper than hardwood selections in todays market. Douglas Fir has a Janka hardness rating of 710 lbf (3,158 N) which is relatively lower than most the wood. Rot at the roots and up the trunk. In places with lower humidity levels, this softwood will experience moisture evaporation. Your email address will not be published. This advantages makes dry wood perfect choice for woodworking projects or wood burning. Rot Resistance: Douglas-Fir heartwood is rated to be moderately durable in regard to decay, but is susceptible to insect . Why look into Douglas fir flooring pros and cons? Maintenance:Douglas Fir Wood is softwood, which is highly prone to dents and scratches. But that's just a quick snapshot. The wood of the Douglas Fir tree is reddish-brown in color and has a straight, uniform grain pattern. Douglas firs are very sappy and are called a resinous softwood, but they dont come close to the mess Pine trees make. menziesii), which thrives in moist and mild coastal climates. So, gain more knowledge in different wood alternatives to select the material that suits your budget and needs. Because of having less lifetime than hardwoods, many people tend to go for hardwoods over Douglas fir. Disadvantages. old-growth Douglas fir pic.twitter.com/V5TIZAlIle. Once that time comes, you must scrape the old protective film and add the new finishing coats. Jatoba vs Rosewood | Which wood is better? Its up to you, but we thought this was interesting enough to earn a spot in our list of Douglas fir flooring pros and cons. Because of these irregular wood movements over changing climates, Douglas fir furniture and woodwork will lose their stability and get warped. But these days, people are starting to realize just how lovely Douglas fir flooring can beand we think thats great! It is straight grained and knot free which make it a. Fir, cypress, cedar, spruce, and hemlock are other commonly available softwoods, and you will find additional options that are unique to your geographical region. This feature makes this lumber long-lasting and reliable under harsh conditions. Douglas fir is too soft. Douglas fir usually comes in between $3.50 and $8 per square foot. Douglas fir trees grow to be very tall. Itll be a protective coating to block moisture from penetrating the materials surface. Once the protective finishing coat fades away, the Douglas fir wood surface will be exposed to the outside environment. 2. Susceptible to insect attacks. Let it dry naturally to avoid unnecessary hassles. It is often used in the construction of decorative pieces, as well as in buildings. There is a shortage of Oak this year so we are going with strictly Douglas Fir.So far it is working nicely.I like the fact that there is less ash after burning.It also puts out ample amount of heat. Instant Access. As in, does it even really exist? Considering its poor strength against sudden pressure and excessive impact, we urge you to handle it cautiously during any woodworking process. Some estimate as low as 17.4 BTUs, while others go as high as 26.5 BTUs per cord. Douglas fir is more expensive than many other softwoods which have similar properties to Douglas fir. It depends on whether you want to buy new or reclaimed floors, but many of the best hardwood floor brands sell Douglas fir flooring. 2. Believe it or not, pinpointing a materials drawbacks helps woodworkers to determine how to utilize their resources better. Here are some examples you can try: Yes, its possible to enhance Douglas Firs resistance and durability against outdoor elements by applying proper treatments. Douglas Fir Wood lasts long after exposure to water. These pointers will manage your expectations to avoid risky and uninformed project decisions. If youre looking for a way to give your floors a bit of personality and really make them your own (but dont want to go down the intensely stressful DIY wood flooring route), reclaimed Douglas fir is a fantastic option. Feeling pretty damn good about the results. Douglas Fir wood is a popular and versatile type of softwood known for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. Douglas Fir is a softwood. Although this wood has excellent stability, this attribute can fade over time. Typically firewood is cut into 16 inch lengths and is tightly stacked in three rows, 4 feet high and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. It is used for general and unusual purposes, such as beams and plywood. Without proper awareness, you could pay for costly wood repairs and replacements. Douglas Fir is a versatile woodworking material, but like other lumber types, it has drawbacks that may hinder your projects progress. But if you have any questions at allfrom how to choose wood floor colors to pricing out the cost to replace carpet with hardwoodwe absolutely recommend contacting a flooring retailer near you to talk it over. So Douglas Fir Timber is used to make vegetable cutting boards and kitchen platforms. Plus, red and orange hues can pop through the stain. You need to be wise to get quality Douglas fir wood with proper inspection. You must be wary of these infestations because they spread quickly and damage your workpiece in weeks. 1 First of all: is Douglas fir good for flooring? Whats the difference between Douglas fir and pine flooring? Fir has become the standard woods of choice for timber framing. When you block the water entrances with wood finishes, Douglas fir wont rot and that helps to increase the woods durability as well. On top of that, its structural strength gives it an edge for construction projects like beams, planks, etc. Down To Earth Homesteaders is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can make Douglas weather-resistant by applying a proper sealant or finisher all over the wood before using it for any woodworking project. Design lifted from Dinesen. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. Its hard to light and once you get it going, it wont burn very efficiently and will smoke a lot. The wood is also known for its resistance to decay and insects due to the presence of natural resins in the wood. There are two questions to ask when shopping at a lumberyard for wood whether youre using it for an outside deck, fencing or even planter boxes, or building an addition to your home or simply woodworking cabinetry. It is a softwood species. Although Douglas Fir showcases specific disadvantages, remember that it offers perks that may elevate your projects quality. Pro: It comes in longer-than-average board lengths, Pro: Its incredibly strong and can last for generations, Pro: fir flooring does surprisingly well with water. In this article, we took a long journey to identify the disadvantages of Douglas fir with all the possible fixes to overcome them. Hickory luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become one of the most popular types of flooring over the past few years. Furthermore, Ive answered some frequently asked questions as well. In order to get a clear idea about the behavior of Douglas fir wood, lets have an in-depth look at its drawbacks and fixes. Although Douglas Fir has a stable tree population and doesnt belong on the extinct specie list, finding one to buy can be challenging. But under extreme water or moisture conditions and when you leave Douglas fir wood untreated for so long, moisture will go inside of the wood and cause wood to rot. Youll also encounter wood-eating larvae on this wood type that penetrates the material underneath its bark. With these products, you can ensure that the surface can tolerate heavy impact and pressure without leaving unsightly scratches. Douglas firs can live to 500 years old and grow over 200 feet tall. Most cooking and smoking is done with dense hardwood. Tension stress limit? Engineered wood, on the other hand, can often be purchased as a click-together floating floormeaning the planks lock together like a puzzle and dont need to be attached to a subfloor. And if you use this material as joints of an outdoor workpiece, chances are itll get warped faster than you think. They renovated next door and tossed out very old Douglas Fir boards. Susceptible to Scratches and Dents: While Douglas Fir is a strong wood, it is still susceptible to scratches and dents, which can mar its appearance. As it turns out, waterproof laminate flooring is realand some of the best laminate flooring brands make it. 2023 FlooringStores, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, you can treat Douglas fir for outdoor use by applying a proper sealant or wood stain finish. To protect the wood from outdoor elements, apply polish or paint. Douglas fir has a tight grain thats a bit more rugged. Its easy to mistake maintenance as a menial task. Why? Therefore, apply wood conditioner first and then go for wood finishing with stain for better absorption of the wood and to get a protective coating with an enhanced natural look. The wood of the Douglas Fir is also used for the production of essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy and as natural insect repellents. Every wood has its advantages as well as some drawbacks. Expensive than softwoods. Why? Strength and Stiffness:Douglas-fir has superior strength and hardness to pine. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon. Still not convinced that the pros and cons of Douglas fir flooring make it right for you? Here's a list of disadvantages of Douglas fir wood, Need regular maintenance. While both Pacific and Coast Douglas firs are known for their waterproof qualities, they are not completely tolerant of water. . Roommate threw out his back helping me move it. It is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30 m tall and has a 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter in 10-15 years. The materials versatility and balanced strength-to-weight ratio make it superior to some softwood options. Regular Giveaways. Fir, pine, redwood and cedar are all considered construction-grade materials. One of the greatest disadvantages of wood is that a variety of pests are attracted to-- and can destroy-- wood. You also cant entrust this bare wood to survive under fluctuating temperatures. Seasoned wood will weigh much less than wet wood. Read to know more about the disadvantages of pine wood in detail. Therefore, it doesnt have good resistance against environmental elements such as moisture, Insect attacks, temperature fluctuations, and harsh weather conditions. WoodWorkly is the ultimate platform for woodworking enthusiasts. After the key features of Douglas Fir, its time to discuss the drawbacks you may encounter while using it as a woodworking material. First furniture project. Plywood is not the lightest building material out there, but it is lighter than real and solid lumber. Try Douglas fir wood for your next woodworking project and see whether you can face discussed drawbacks and get help from this article to face those challenges with courage. This is how you can get the maximum out of any wood with bad weather resistance. That is natural century old patina btw, rescued from an old cottage being torn down. Hardwoods and softwoods differ from one another in a few important ways. Apply lacquer, varnish, or oil finishes like tung oil, and Danish oil to keep your Douglas fir flooring, countertops, and other furniture protected from scratches and dents. Better to apply wood conditioner first to avoid getting blotchy or tacky surfaces. They are shorter than Coast Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. I love woodwork and sharing valuable knowledge about woodworking. Keep reading to learn more about Fir and . Required fields are marked *. After applying a proper finisher, you can use Douglas fir for outdoor use since the protective layer keep Douglas fir wood away from water damage, insect attacks, and UV light only if it has UV inhibitors to absorb UV light. Douglas Fir Wood is used extensively in making plywood. The only problem is that the surface can start chipping when the blades metal starts digging through the material, especially when shaping the edges. And because Douglas fir is so long-lasting (and resistant to warp), these planks are now widely sought-after for their seasoned look and history. They are the most productive wood types in the world, and their quick growth rate make them economically important to industry. Both types of Douglas fir are prized in the construction industry, provide the majority of wood for housing and are the most important species for lumber production in the United States. Check out the pros and cons of engineered bamboo or look into the best types of vinyl flooring if you want to learn how closely these materials can mimic solid woodeven the gorgeous grain of Douglas fir. It is readily available and inexpensive softwood. It is straightforward to work with hand and machine tools. There are two varieties of Douglas Firs. The ponderosa pine is a popular timber among woodcarvers and hobbyists. Over time, the woods water resistance will crumble amidst extensive and regular exposure to moisture and water. Because of its structure, the wood will likely crumble under extreme pressure and impact. This makes Douglas fir flooring a great choice for areas that are prone to discoloration (were thinking sunroom flooring here). Table of Contents. But when it comes to beauty, utility, and ease of refinishing, they really cant be beat. Janka hardness test is a standard method of measuring the hardness of a particular wood considering its resistance to wear and shear. Theyre both specialty products that arent ubiquitous, but arent particularly hard to come by either. Florida Lumber: Douglas Fir: One of the Best Wood Species in the World, The National Wildlife Federation: Douglas Fir, Pacific Forest Trust: Douglas Fir Habitat, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, Properties and Characteristics of Mahogany Timber, Preserving the Natural Color of Cypress Wood Outdoors.