If you‘re looking for an amazing wood option, than consider Douglas fir. There are many reasons why I choose Douglas fir wood for my projects. Douglas fir is a favorite choice of mine for construction projects because its inexpensive, durable, sustainable, resilient, strong, elegant, and easy to work with. In this post we will explore and highlight some of these features. Once you discover the many benefits of Douglas Fir wood, you’ll fall in love with it too!
1. Douglas Fir is an inexpensive wood, making it ideal for budget-conscious DIYers.
Douglas fir is one of the most inexpensive woods available on the market, making it a great choice for budget–conscious DIYers. When compared to other wood options, Douglas fir is significantly cheaper, meaning you can save a lot of money by using this material for your next project.
2. Douglas Fir is a strong and durable wood, ideal for projects that will see a lot of wear and tear.
Douglas fir is one of the strongest softwoods. It is known for its high strength–to–weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for projects that require a lot of strength. The wood is also resistant to rot and insect damage, making it a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects.
3. Douglas Fir is a sustainable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice for DIYers.
Douglas fir is a sustainable resource because it is a renewable resource. The majority of Douglas fir wood in the USA is sourced from the Pacific Northwest. These fir trees are planted and harvested relatively quickly. They can be harvested in as little as 10 years, although 20 to 30 years is more common. Other common lumber choices available at stores like Home Depot and Lowes like redwood is not as sustainable as Douglas Fir because it is not a readably renewable. Redwood trees can take up to 80 years to mature, and they are only found in a few locations in the world. This means that there is a limited supply of redwood making lumber cut from them not only more expensive but also less eco-conscious. In the end, Douglas Fir is a more eco-friendly choice for DIYers.
4. The wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor projects.
Douglas fir wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay because it is a very dense wood. This means that there are fewer spaces for water and other materials to seep into and cause damage. This means that fewer spaces for insects can burrow into it to cause damage as well. Douglas fir wood can also last for many years outdoors in the sun. However, like all wood it will eventually start to fade and turn gray.
5. Douglas Fir is a good choice for projects that require a lot of strength, such as furniture or cabinetry.
Douglas Fir wood is one of the strongest and most durable softwoods. It has excellent load-bearing capabilities and it is often used in construction projects such as framing, flooring, and beams.
6. The wood has a straight and beautiful grain that makes it easy to cut and work with.
Wood with straight grain is important for DIY projects because it is easier to work with and results in a cleaner finished product. The wood has a beautiful grain pattern that can add a touch of elegance to any project.
7. The wood is easy to work with and takes nails and screws well.
The wood of the Douglas fir tree is strong and dense, making it ideal for taking nails and screws. Because of its natural density, the wood is less likely to split when nails or screws are added. With that said, I always predrill holes for my screws when I am building furniture. Predrilling a hole in wood helps to prevent the wood from splitting when a nail or screw is inserted, by creating a smaller hole for the nail or screw to enter. This is especially important when using large nails or screws, or when the wood is particularly hard.