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Air-dried timber
Timber that is dried by exposure to air in a yard or shed, without artificial heat (also see seasoning).
Douglas Fir | Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas Fir is an imported softwood timber, finding a range of weather-protected applications in heavy construction. Other common applications include general building framework, flooring, lining, fascias and pergolas. It is also used in joinery, turnery, carving and plywood.
Douglas Fir is one of the world’s best-known timber species. Imported sawn timber products are readily available in Australia.
Other Names: Oregon Fir, Oregon Pine, Oregon, Green Douglas Fir, Blue Douglas Fir, Columbian Pine, Common Douglas, Coast Douglas Fir
Overview
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. Due to the timber’s high resin content and occasional earlywood–latewood ridging of the dressed product, care is required in selecting timber for finishing applications and in preparation of surfaces for paints and varnishes.
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.
Douglas Fir is commonly found as sawn timber in weather-protected heavy construction applications such as mining timbers, posts and poles. Treated pilings and boards are used in marine structures and for landscaping. Other common applications include general house framing, flooring, lining, fascias, bargeboards and pergolas. It is also used in joinery, turnery, carving and plywood.
Properties
Shrinkage
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
Tangential: |
|||||
| 4.0 | |||||
| Radial: | 2 - 3 |
Strength Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | |
| Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
Stress Grade
| Structural No. 1 |
Structural No. 2 |
Structural No. 3 |
Structural No. 4 |
Structural No. 5 |
|
| Unseasoned: | F11 | F8 | F7 | F5 | F4 |
| Seasoned: | F17 | F14 | F11 | F8 | F7 |
Density per Standard
| Unseasoned: | 730 kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Seasoned: | 510 kg/m3 |
Joint Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
| Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
Colour
| White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
Mechanical Properties
| Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned: |
56 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: |
90 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: |
12 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: |
13 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned: |
26 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: |
55 |
| Toughness - Unseasoned: |
Low - up to 15 Nm |
| Toughness - Seasoned: |
Low - up to 15 Nm |
| Hardness - Unseasoned: |
2.1 |
| Hardness - Seasoned: |
3.1 |
Durability
| Low | Moderate | Reasonably High | High | |
| (0 - 5 yrs) | (5 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 25 yrs) | (more than 25 yrs) | |
| In-Ground: |
||||
| (0 - 7 yrs) | (7 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 40 yrs) | (More than 40 yrs) | |
| Above ground: |
||||
| (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) | (21 - 40 yrs) | (41 - 64 yrs) | (More than 60 yrs) | |
| Marine Borer Resistance: |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: |
Not Susceptible |
|---|---|
| Termite Resistance: |
Not Resistant |
Fire Properties
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| EFH Ignitibility: |
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| EFH Spread-of-Flame Index: |
|||||||||||
| EFH Smoke-Developed Index: |
| 1 - non-combustible | 2 - reasonably non-combustible | 3 - slightly combustible | 4 - combustible | |
| Fire Properties Group Number: |
| Group Number - Other: | 3 if used on MDF or particleboard ≥12mm; veneer thickness 0.6-0.85mm |
|---|---|
| Average Specific Extinction Area: |
< 250 |
| Bushfire Resistance: |
Not Tested |
Description
| Botanical Name: | Pseudotsuga menziesii |
|---|---|
| Preferred Common Name: | Douglas Fir |
| Other Names: | Oregon Fir, Oregon Pine, Oregon, Green Douglas Fir, Blue Douglas Fir, Columbian Pine, Common Douglas, Coast Douglas Fir |
| Species Type: | Softwood |
Appearance
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.
Common Applications
Douglas Fir is commonly found as sawn timber in weather-protected heavy construction applications such as mining timbers, posts and poles. Treated pilings and boards are used in marine structures and for landscaping. Other common applications include general house framing, flooring, lining, fascias, bargeboards and pergolas. It is also used in joinery, turnery, carving and plywood.
Common Form
Sawn, Veneer
Workability
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. Due to the timber’s high resin content and occasional earlywood–latewood ridging of the dressed product, care is required in selecting timber for finishing applications and in preparation of surfaces for paints and varnishes.
Origin of Timber
NSW, VIC, TAS, NZ, North America, Europe
Readily Available
NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, QLD, WA, NT, NZ, North America, Europe
Availability - Further Information
Douglas Fir has been imported into Australia in large sections and long lengths for many years. It is readily available throughout mainland Australia.
Source of Timber
Plantation
Applications
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Doors
Timber is one of the most popular and superior material choices for both internal and external doors. Whether manufactured from solid or engineered timber, there are many stylish and practical options that won't compromise on strength and structural performance. A distinctive timber door can also create visual impact, adding value to any commercial or domestic building.
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Framing
Since people began building simple shelters, wooden framing has played an important role in shaping structures of many kinds. One of the most popular types of wooden framing is known as lightweight timber construction.
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Internal Paneling
Timber paneling creates interiors as warm as they are stylish. Commonly utilising an MDF or plywood substrate, internal timber paneling is natural and versatile and comes as either solid natural timber panels or as sheets of engineered wood products
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Pergolas
A timber pergola is a practical, functional and attractive way to extend living and entertainment spaces into the outdoors.
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Retaining Walls (Landscaping)
When it comes to retaining wall, landscape design and construction, timber is the natural choice. A material that is durable, sturdy and reliable, it boasts natural aesthetics that help it blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Careful consideration during the specification and design process will facilitate the creation of a long lasting, durable and eye catching timber retaining wall that will complement its surrounding landscape for years to come.
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Timber Joinery Products
Timber joinery products offer a classic, unique and stylish touch to any interior design.
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Timber Mouldings
Mouldings are extremely versatile and durable, enhancing the aesthetics of any interior and functioning as the icing on the cake for designs with a focus on beauty and splendour.
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Timber Portal Frames
For buildings that require large spans and column free interiors, timber portal frames provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing solutions. Utilising modern engineering technology, portal frame design transforms timber into a highly effective, efficient and economical structural product. This application guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of using timber in the specification, fabrication and erection of portal frame structures.
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Windows
With natural aesthetic appeal, versatility and sound structural performance, timber provides excellent window joinery design options. Whether stained to bring out natural tones, or painted to compliment particular décors, timber windows can be tailored to suit a huge variety of styles and can be installed into any type of building.
Case Studies
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Community Facilities, Kensington Gardens
An award-winning building where timber is featured to spectacular effect as well as adding the warmth and character that make residents feel at home.
Applications: Architectural Roof Trusses, Flooring, Internal Paneling,
Result(s) page 1 of 1
Suppliers
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Australian Timber Products Pty Ltd (Austim)
Austim is Perth's largest importer and stockist of exotic timbers. We are a market leading supplier of quality timber based products, sourced from many global regions
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Britton Timbers
Britton Timbers comprises timber processing, manufacturing & distribution operations for export & domestic sales of quality Australian & imported timber products from its Tasmanian operations & national distribution centres in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
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Meyer Timber Pty. Ltd.
We are one of the largest wholesale operations in Australia and continue to grow. We carry all of the material that would typically be carried in a Mitre10 or Bunnings.
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Ridgewood Timber Pty Ltd
Ridgewood is a trusted supplier of quality and sustainable timber products.
Ridgewood has been importing, wholesaling and distributing timber, panel and forestry products to the Australian market for over 25 years. -
Swan Le Messurier Pty Ltd.
Swan Le Messuriers' wholesales a wide and extensive range of products and species from Australia and all over the world.
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Tilling Timber
Tilling Timber is one of Australia’s largest timber wholesaler/importers and carries its own unique range of Engineered Wood Products known as SmartFrame Products.
Result(s) page 1 of 1
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