Douglas Fir Lumber Exterior Use is the main topic of concern here.
Douglas fir is a great option if you’re looking for lumber to use outdoors. It’s resistant to decay and rot, making it perfect for applications like decks, siding, and fences. Douglas fir also has a beautiful grain that will enhance the look of any project. If you’re interested in using Douglas fir lumber for your next exterior project, be sure to contact us today! We’d be happy to help you get started.
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What is Douglas Fir wood, and where does it come from?
Douglas fir is native to North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest. It is commonly found in the mountains of Western Canada, along with parts of the Western United States, including California and Oregon. It is most widely used for making structural lumber because it has great strength properties.
How strong is Douglas fir wood?
There are several different things to consider when looking at the strength of Douglas fir lumber. For one, there are different grades of Douglas fir lumber, which have their strengths and weaknesses. The specific rate you use will depend on your intended purpose for the wood. In general, a lower grade means that it’s more inexpensive but not quite as durable or strong as a higher grade.
More specifically, Douglas fir lumber has several tests that measure its strength. It is tested for Impact Strength, which measures the resistance to being hit and struck. The results from this test are used to determine how suitable the wood is for items like roofing or siding. In general, the higher the impact strength scores, the better the wood is for these kinds of applications.
Douglas fir lumber also has Compression Test results, which measure how much weight or force you can apply to the wood before it breaks. Douglas fir’s compression strength ranges between 2940 and 3660 pounds per square inch (psi).
With a Modulus of Elasticity score at 16,000 psi, Douglas fir performs very well in terms of elasticity. This allows it to bounce back into its original shape after being struck or affected by the compression.
How does Douglas fir weather?
Douglas fir is a naturally durable wood that resists decay and rot when properly treated with a wood protection product like Wolmanized LumberGuard, which is applied after your wood has been milled. This makes it reliable for use in exterior applications like decks, siding, and fences.
What grades of Douglas fir lumber are available?
While it’s recommended that you specify high-grade lumber for any exterior project to ensure the best results, there are several different grades you can choose from, depending on your application.
Douglas fir Select Structural is an exterior-grade Douglas fir that is strong and can hold up well even when used outdoors. This wood grade is great for decking, siding, fencing, and similar applications. If you’re looking to build a new deck or fence but don’t want to spend a lot of money on high-grade lumber, Douglas fir Select Structural is an excellent material to use.
If you’re opting for a higher grade of Douglas fir, choose either Clear Heart or #1 Common and Better and enjoy the strength and beauty that these grades provide. Keep in mind that this wood quality will be more expensive than Douglas fir Select Structural.
What can I use Douglas fir for lumber?
Because of its strength, durability, and affordability, Douglas fir makes an excellent choice for many projects. Here are just a few ideas:
Fencing – When searching for the best wood to use in your fencing projects, opt for Douglas fir because it is durable. It can hold up to the elements well, making it a good choice for fencing that is meant to last.
Decking – When you want your deck’s flooring to be as long-lasting as possible, Douglas fir makes an excellent choice because of its strength and how it reacts to weather. After being treated with Wolmanized LumberGuard, Douglas fir is ready to stand up against moisture, humidity, heat, and cold.
Siding – If you’re looking for an attractive material that can stand up to the elements outdoors, consider Douglas fir lumber for your siding projects. It resists rot, rust, mildew, termites, wood borers—really any living organism that can damage the wood.
Exterior Furniture – Douglas fir is a great material for outdoor furniture exposed to the elements because it’s an exterior-grade material and resists rotting and insect infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Douglas Fir Be Used Outdoors?
Douglas fir is an outdoor-friendly wood used for decks, fences, siding, and other exterior projects. It can resist rot, decay, weathering, insects—basically anything the elements throw at it. However, it would help if you treated Douglas fir with Wolmanized LumberGuard after it’s milled before using it outdoors. This makes it safe to use in any exterior project you have in mind.
Is Douglas Fir Wood Weather Resistant?
Like other wood varietals, Douglas fir is weather-resistant when treated with Wolmanized LumberGuard. This protective agent penetrates the wood fibers to seal water, stains, salt deposits, and pests.
How Do I Protect My Douglas Fir Outside?
When you have milled your Douglas fir, it’s ready to be used in outdoor applications. However, you need to take additional steps for the wood to stand up against the elements. That’s where Wolmanized LumberGuard comes in—use it to protect exterior-grade Douglas fir from rot, decay, termites, insects, water, and salt.
Is Fir Wood Suitable For Outdoor Use?
Yes, fir is suitable for outdoor use. However, to make sure it can stand up to the elements like humidity and heat (which many varieties of wood cannot), it’s recommended that you seal Douglas fir with Wolmanized LumberGuard. This will protect your boards from rot, decay, insects, water damage, salt deposits—basically anything that could cause the wood to degrade over time.
Final Verdict: Douglas Fir Lumber Exterior Use
Douglas fir is a great choice when you need wood for outdoor projects. It can withstand heat, humidity, and salt deposits well and is ready to use without treatment after milling. However, consider Wolmanized LumberGuard before using your boards outdoors for additional protection from moisture and decay.
