Oregon or Douglas Fir

(Pseudotsuga menziesii.)

Description

This softwood is native to North America but is being grown in plantations in other countries. The heartwood is a pale red brown colour with distinctive growth rings. Sapwood is paler.

Workability

Difficult to achieve a smooth finish at times due to varying hardness between summer and winter growth.  Saws well, easily drilled and nailed.

Applications

Generally construction work as most material is green sawn.  Dry material can be used for internal joinery.

Availability

Readily available green sawn.  We stock some kiln dried material for internal applications.

Hardness

530Kg/m3  Density varies a lot.

Durability

Generally considered a class 4, old growth material can be higher

At a Glance

Turning:		Poor
Machining:		Average
Bending:		Poor
Sanding:		Easy.
Nailing/Screwing:		Very Good.
Glueing:		Can be difficult check moisture content.
Timber Coating:		Problematic with some paints
Oil:		Good.
Note 1		Was once used for a full range of external applications. Now deemed not durable enough.
Note 2