Douglas Fir

from WWPA's Douglas Fir & Western Larch Species Facts
published January, 1996
©1996 Western Wood Products Association

Range, growth habits and production

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis), sometimes called Mountain Larch or Western Tamarack, was discovered in 1806 in western Montana. However, it remained for the botanist Thomas Nuttall to recognize and describe the tree as a previously unclassified species in 1834. It is one of only two conifers that sheds its needles in the winter, with new needles developing in spring. Western Larch is native to eastern Oregon and Washington, Idaho, Montana, and southern interior British Columbia. Like Douglas Fir, it is among the strongest and hardest softwood species.

Nearly 40 million acres of commercial timberland* in the U.S. West are forested in Douglas Fir and Western Larch. In addition, there are millions more acres of Douglas Fir and Western Larch standing in the West on the nearly 50 million acres of federal forested land now protected from harvesting through legislative, administrative, or judicial withdrawals, or set aside in parks, scenic reserves, wilderness areas, habitat reserves and research areas.

Douglas Fir timberlands are the most productive softwood timberlands in the U.S. in terms of volume per acre. More softwood lumber is produced in Oregon than in any other state due in large part to the predominance of Douglas Fir in its coastal forests. Known as the "timber basket," where systematic replanting has been documented since 1912, the northwestern region is governed by some of the world's toughest environmental laws providing protection for habitat, watersheds, soils and biological diversity, thus fostering a multiplicity of forest values in perpetuity. Reforestation and management practices are not voluntary, they are enforced by law.

For the U.S. overall, 2.4 billion trees were planted in 1993 and a similar number are planted every year by timberland owners, including the forest products industry, private tree farmers and federal, state and local agencies. Growth on Western timberlands exceeds harvest by more than 35% overall and by more than 50% in some areas.

In the West, timber for products is managed primarily in natural stands, on long rotations. It is estimated more than 557 billion board feet of Douglas Fir and Western Larch sawtimber is growing on commercial timberland in the west. Although production is much greater in Douglas Fir, the two species accounted for 45% of all Western softwood produced in 1994 -- some 7.2 billion board feet.

Douglas Fir lumber products are identified by region. Products from trees growing west of the Cascade Crest to the Pacific Ocean, the most abundant region for Douglas Fir, are simply identified as "DF" on the grade stamp. East of the Cascades, Western Larch grows intermixed with Douglas Fir. The two species are often kept separate in appearance grade products but are combined in dimension products and marketed as "DF-L". Because Douglas Fir and Western Larch share nearly identical structural characteristics and physical working properties, the two species are interchangeable in dimension products.

A smaller volume of products originates from Douglas Fir growing in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. These are identified on the grade stamp as "DF^s".

Life Cycle Inventory for WWPA Lumber

In 1995, Western Wood Products Association completed the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) of WWPA Western Lumber with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent environmental auditing organization in Oakland, Calif. This first life cycle study on lumber in the U.S. was completed to the extent possible, given current limitations in life cycle methodology to address renewable resource considerations.

With this LCI of Western Lumber documentation for their products, WWPA member companies are leading the industry in accountability by disclosing, through an independent third party, the environmental burdens associated with the harvesting, manufacturing and distribution of their products. Additional aspects of Western Lumber's life cycle will be addressed as further guidelines are standardized within the life cycle practitioner community.

Douglas Fir and Western Larch lumber users may look to the registered grade mark of the Western Wood Products Association for quality, accountability and performance assurance on lumber produced from the Western Woods region.

WWPA is the leading association of lumber manufacturers in the West and one of the largest lumber trade associations in the world. In addition, WWPA is the only U.S. lumber grading agency recognized by the Japanese government as a Foreign Testing organization (FTO) authority and is approved to grade Western Lumber under four separate Japanese (JAS) Agricultural Standards. WWPA is also authorized to oversee lumber graded to the Australian Standard 2858 and British Standards 4978 and 5268.

Moisture content and seasoning

As wood loses or gains moisture, it will shrink or swell until it reaches equilibrium with the constantly changing level of moisture in the air of its immediate environment. All lumber benefits from some degree of "seasoning," i.e. letting it adjust to the humidity conditions of its surrounding atmosphere before it is installed. Because of its cell structure, wood shrinks primarily in width and thickness and very little in length.

Douglas Fir is unique among all softwood species in that it is naturally dimensionally stable, having the ability to season well in position. Many builders prefer to cut, nail and fasten Douglas Fir in the "green" or unseasoned condition, allowing it to air dry during construction. As a result, coastal Douglas Fir structural lumber is often shipped unseasoned (indicated by S-GRN on the grade stamp). Framing lumber 2 inches and less (nominal size) in thickness can be shipped after seasoning to a moisture content of 19% or less, which is indicated (by S-DRY or KD) on the grade stamp. S-DRY can mean kiln dried or air seasoned, while KD specifically means kiln dried. Regional market conditions and building trade preferences dictate local availability of dry or green products. In 1994, 85% of Coastal Douglas Fir was shipped green, while 75% of Douglas Fir and Western Larch from the inland area was shipped dry.

For millwork, remanufacturing applications or glued products, Douglas Fir is dried in temperature and humidity-controlled kilns or stacked and air dried until its moisture content (MC) reaches the desired level for an intended purpose.

The term "dry" can be confusing in lumber terminology. In structural grades, "DRY" indicates a product was either kiln- or air-dried to a 19% or less moisture content level prior to surfacing. However, in appearance products (e.g. the FINISH and SELECT grades), "DRY" is defined in the Western Lumber Grading Rules as being a maximum of 15% MC and, in these grades, 85% of the items will be shipped with a MC level of 12% or less.

(For additional information refer to WWPA's Western Lumber Product Use Manual, Natural Wood Siding Technical Guide, Lumber Storage TIP sheet, and Dimensional Stability publications.)

Grading

The WWPA grade stamp assures conformance of the graded piece with its applicable WWPA Western Lumber Grading Rules. WWPA is a certified lumber rules-writing and grading agency of the American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc. (ALSC) under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Association is certified to grade and inspect lumber according to its own Western Lumber Grading Rules, and also to the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau's (WCLIB) West Coast Lumber Standard Grading Rules and the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau's Export R List Rules. These rules provide lumber users with a dependable measure for determining the quality and uniformity of lumber as well as its performance capabilities.

Lumber grades, assigned on the basis of visual inspection and/or mechanical testing, are divided into three basic classifications which reflect the intended end uses:

Structural lumber for residential, commercial and industrial uses is graded for its performance in load bearing or load-carrying applications. Physical working characteristics are the primary considerations and appearance is secondary. These products are typically gradestamped with the following information:

• Registered trademark or logo of WWPA;
• Mill name or mill number identifying the origin of the product;
• Moisture content designation at the time of surfacing;
• Species or species combination; and
• Grade name.

Appearance grades are assigned to lumber intended for applications where appearance is the most important factor. These grades cover products ranging from the exquisitely beautiful to the most utilitarian. They may be sold as SELECTS, FINISH or COMMON boards, run-to-pattern for siding and paneling products, or used for a variety of purposes. The grades of appearance products are often certified by written documentation rather than marked on the lumber. Some products may be identified or gradestamped on the back side or ends, but the highest grades are rarely stamped to avoid marring the beauty of the wood.

Factory and Shop grades are assigned to lumber intended to be recut, to recover the clear portions in the piece for manufacturing into other wood products such as windows, doors and cabinets, and for moulding, trim and specialty products.

While there are special categories within each of these broad classifications, nearly all lumber grades fall within them. Douglas Fir products are available in all three classifications, Western Larch is available in structural and appearance grades, and many Douglas Fir products are available in special grades and sizes for international markets.

Products graded for structural applications

Characteristics and attributes

When architects and engineers look for the best in structural lumber, their first choice repeatedly is Douglas Fir. It is dimensionally stable and universally recognized for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. Its high specific gravity provides excellent nail and plate-holding ability. The species also enjoys a documented superior performance against strong forces resulting from natural phenomena such as winds, storms and earthquakes. It is truly the ideal structural and general purpose wood for framing lumber in residential, light commercial, multistory and industrial construction.

The Douglas Fir/Western Larch species combination has the highest modulus of elasticity (E or MOE) of the North American softwood species. This is the ratio of the amount a piece of lumber will deflect in proportion to an applied load; it is a reflection of the species' high degree of stiffness, an important consideration in the design of floors and other systems.

In strength properties, Douglas Fir/Western Larch has the highest ratings of any western softwood for extreme fiber stress in bending (Fb); for tension parallel-to-grain (Ft); for horizontal sheer (Fv); for compression perpendicular-to-grain (Fc); and for compression parallel-to-grain (Fc//).

These physical working properties, as well as to the moderate durability of its heartwood and its excellent dimensional stability, provide the reasons many builders use Douglas Fir as the standard against which all other framing lumber is judged. It is also tight knotted and close-grained, adding the bonus of beauty to its structural capabilities.

(Refer to WWPA's Product Use Manual  for additional design information and to WWPA's Vol.1 Species Book: Dimension Lumber for color photographs of structural grades.)

Dimension Lumber

Dimension lumber structural grades include surfaced softwood products of nominal thickness from 2 inches to 4 inches in thickness by 2 inches and wider. These grades are intended for use as general framing members, including beams, joists, planks, rafters and studs.

The National Grading Rule for Dimension Lumber, published in the grading rules of all ALSC-approved agencies, classifies dimension lumber into several basic size categories related to intended end uses. Products are available in a variety of lengths, beginning at 6 feet and increasing in multiples of 2 feet.

2x2 through 4x4:

Structural Light Framing grades in 2x2 through 4x4 of Douglas Fir and Western Larch fit applications where the highest design values are needed in light framing sizes for engineered systems, trusses and multistory projects.

Light Framing grades in 2x2 through 4x4 are the building stalwarts of residential and light commercial construction. These grades are well suited for general framing applications such as wall framing, plates, sills, cripples, blocking, etc.

STUD grade is the backbone for most interior and exterior wall framing. characteristics affecting strength and stiffness values are limited making STUD grade products perfectly suited for vertical uses such as load-bearing walls. Douglas Fir and Western Larch studs can be manufactured to the full basic length and double-end trimmed or may be precision-end trimmed to exact length. Some WWPA member companies produce "wane-free" studs.

2x5 through 4x18:

Structural Joists and Planks is a category of dimension lumber products (2x5 through 4x18) intended to fit structural applications for lumber 5 inches and wider, such as floor joists, ceiling joists, roof rafters, headers, small beams, trusses and general framing. Because of its structural performance benefits, which rival many fabricated products, dry Douglas Fir is also often selected for horizontal framing in multistory wood frame buildings; its combination of high Fb and MOE values make it ideal for floor framing when stiffness is a critical factor.

Large sizes

Douglas Fir is one of the few species available in large sizes from managed timberlands. It is preferred for heavy timber framing and large members are available in a variety of grades manufactured for construction uses where larger material is needed to meet the engineering requirements of the design.

Beams & Stringers include products that are 5 inches and thicker (nominal) with a width more than 2 inches greater than the thickness (i.e., 6x10, 8x12, etc.).

Posts & Timbers are 5 inches x 5 inches and larger (nominal) with a width not more than 2 inches greater than the thickness (i.e., 6x6, 6x8, etc.).

Douglas Fir timbers are best known for their tough fiber, dense grain structure and strength. they are additionally valuable for their rustic beauty and excellent "Heavy Timber" fire ratings in the model building codes. Timbers are shipped unseasoned and may be specified rough cut or surfaced four sides (S4S).

Engineered Lumber

Machine Stress-Rated (MSR) lumber

Machine Stress-Rated (MSR) lumber is distinguished from visually stress-graded dimension lumber in that each piece is nondestructively tested with mechanical stress-rating equipment to measure its stiffness and other physical working properties before it is subjected to visual inspection. Standard sizes are 2 inches and less in thickness and 2 inches and wider with lengths 6 feet and longer in multiples of 2 feet.

The grade stamp on MSR lumber indicates the machine stress-rating system used meets requirements of the grading agency's certification and quality control procedures. The grade stamp includes the phrase "Machine Rated" along with the E and Fb ratings. The stamp will also include the allowable tensile stress parallel-to-grain (Ft), the horizontal shear (Fv) or compression perpendicular-to-grain (Fc) design values when any of these properties are specifically qualified. WWPA is one of the leading agencies certifying MSR lumber.

(Refer to WWPA's MSR Lumber TIP Sheet for additional information.)

Truss and component applications

Douglas Fir MSR lumber is often selected for metal plate-connected trusses and other engineered applications. however, it is also used for floor and ceiling joists, rafters and other structural purposes where mechanically assessed strength and connection capabilities are primary considerations. MSR lumber is available both seasoned and unseasoned.

Douglas Fir and Western Larch, in both visual and MSR grades are used in roof and floor trusses, for gable ends and wall panels, pre-cut wall framing packages, wall sub-components, corners, doors, beams and frames. The exceptional stiffness, strength-to-weight ratio and plate-holding superiority are well recognized by component manufacturers.

Structural-glued lumber products

Western manufacturers produce a variety of Douglas Fir/Western Larch glued products from dry lumber, including end-jointed or finger-jointed lumber, end- and edge-glued boards, millwork and mouldings, face-glued lumber and laminated stock. These products make excellent use of short lengths, increasing utilization of available timber resources.

Structural-glued dimension lumber has gained wide acceptance in the building and construction industry. It has been accepted for use under all model codes and is interchangeable with solid-sawn dimension lumber of the same size, grade and species. WWPA provides testing and quality control for glued products and certifies the manufacture of Douglas Fir and Western Larch structural-glued dimension lumber under the following classifications: Light Framing and Studs, Structural Light Framing, Decking, Stress-Rated Boards, and Structural Joists and Planks.

(Refer to WWPA's Structural Glued Lumber TIP Sheet for additional information.)

Stock for laminated beams

Structural performance is the hallmark of Douglas Fir, but the species is also visually beautiful. When a design calls for large beams, long spans or unusually shaped arches as in churches, bridges and stadiums, Douglas Fir is more often specified than any other species. Structural-glued laminated Douglas Fir and Western Larch beams are engineered for use as load-carrying horizontal framing for roofs, floors, and columns in residential, commercial and institutional structures as well as for towers and marine installations. These glue-lam beams can be depended upon in industrial plants, warehouses and factories, as well as in highly visual architectural settings that demand uncompromising beauty.

Laminating stock is 2 inches and thinner and 3 inches and wider and comes in five grades and E-RATED STRUCTURAL LAMINATIONS. This is lumber that meets the visual grade requirements of L3 or better structural lamination grades and has been mechanically tested for long-span flatwise modulus of elasticity (E). Structural laminations are specified rough or surfaced at various widths and thicknesses up to 2 inches full. The wood is intended to be laid up longitudinally and bonded with adhesives.

Structural decking/subflooring

Structural decking, also known as roof decking, is 2 inches to 4 inches thick by 4 inches and wider. This is primarily an industrial or residential or commercial roof or floor product and should not be confused with grades intended for exterior residential decks. It is available in two grades: SELECTED DECKING (for fine visual aesthetics) and COMMERCIAL DECKING (when appearance is not of primary importance). Both grades can be used so that the face, or better side, will show the beauty of the wood, such as in exposed ceilings. Decking is manufactured either at 19% (S-DRY or KD) or 15% (MC15 or KD15) moisture content.

Standard decking patterns, in nominal 2 inches single tongue-and-groove (T&G) and 3 inches and 4 inches double T&G, are available with "V" or rounded edges, striated, grooved or in other patterns to meet discriminating architectural requirements. Douglas Fir factory floors, manufactured from dry decking, result in a smooth, even surface so hand trucks won't hang up and cracks and splintering won't appear after heavy and continuous use.

Some T&G decking is manufactured to pattern from NO.2 & BTR or NO.3, 2x6 or 2x8, S-GRN framing lumber. These products are generally used for concealed residential subfloors in crawl-space construction.

Products graded for appearance

Characteristics and grades

For versatility and beauty, few woods in the world match the magnificence of Douglas Fir and Western Larch. Unlike the structural grades, appearance lumber is milled and graded according to aesthetic rather than structural performance criteria. Color, grain pattern, texture, knot type and size are the factors that influence the grade. For this reason Douglas Fir and Western Larch are usually separated in the appearance grades and marketed as distinct species to allow a larger range of visual choices for discriminating end users.

Douglas Fir's light rosy color is set off by its remarkably straight and handsome grain pattern. While similar, Western Larch is slightly darker in color. Of the two species, Douglas Fir is more widely available in the appearance grades. Both species will "redden" over time when exposed to light. Their tough fiber make both species difficult to work with hand tools; however, both respond admirably to sharp power tools and machine to an exceptionally smooth, glossy surface. Both paint easily and can hold all types of stains and finishes.

Moisture content levels are carefully controlled in the highest grades to ensure these premium products will meet the strict dimensional stability requirements of finish carpenters, furniture manufacturers and cabinet makers. The less "perfect" grades are an economical choice for many utilitarian applications.

Many designers and consumers agree the aesthetic appeal of clear, light, straight, vertical-grain Douglas Fir is unsurpassed among the world's softwood species. However, the highest appearance grades of Douglas Fir and Western Larch are manufactured from trees older than those which yield primarily structural framing products. And while substantial volumes of clear and nearly clear Douglas Fir are available from long-rotation, managed western timberlands, the clear grades are less abundant and considerably more expensive than knotty grades.

(Refer to WWPA's Vol.2 Species Book: Boards and Commons for additional information and color photographs of appearance grades in a variety of western species.)

Interior and exterior trim, and Finish board materials

Appearance and dimensional stability are critical in interior and exterior trim and finish boards, whether in the clear or knotty grades. Douglas Fir's characteristics make it ideal for joinery: doors, millwork, window and door casings, mantels, stairs and baseboards. When dry, it retains its shape and size and won't check or show a raised grain. Additionally, Douglas Fir has an excellent performance record when used in exposed applications for exterior trim without ground contact.

(Refer to the "TREATED PRODUCTS" section for in-ground and ground-contact information.)

Clear and knotty grades

The highest grade categories, "Finish" and "Selects," include the grades for clear and nearly clear lumber in either vertical or flat grain. (If grain pattern is not specified, these grades will be shipped as a mixed grain combination of vertical and flat grain.) Finish and Select grades of Douglas Fir are recommended for interior trim and cabinet work with either natural, stain or enamel finishes where the finest appearance is important.

Douglas Fir "Commons" (WWPA Rules) or "Alternate Boards" (WCLIB Rules) are typically used for shelving, sheathing or run-to-pattern for siding and paneling. These products are nominal 1 inches thickness, surfaced to 3/4 inches and are generally gradestamped on the back or ends.

The highest grades are used where fine appearance in a knotty material is required, such as for soffits, fascia, cornices, shelving or run-to-pattern for siding and paneling. Depending on the criteria for the application, other grades in knotty products are used primarily in housing and light construction where wood is exposed for its beauty and character (e.g. shelving, paneling, siding, fences, boxes) or for its utility and serviceability in crating, sub-floors, roof and wall sheathing and concrete forms. The lowest grades are useful in applications where economy is the basic requirement.

Wood paneling, cabinets and furniture

Designers appreciate the rich visual quality of Douglas Fir texture and grain as well as its beautiful response to fine craftsmanship and finishing. A favorite wood for custom cabinets, furniture and millwork, it works easily and resists wear. When sawn to expose vertical grain, Douglas Fir is particularly handsome.

Douglas Fir paneling can transform any room into a dramatic, elegant space. The wood's fine appearance is clearly visible in a variety of applications such as edge-grain veneers for formal wall paneling or solid plank paneling for an informal look. When acclimated prior to installation, Douglas Fir retains its shape and size without shrinking, swelling, cupping, warping, bowing, or twisting. The uniform grain and tough fiber holds stain well and keeps fasteners firmly in place.

Douglas Fir (and Western Larch to a lesser extent) paneling is run in a variety of patterns. In many cases, the grade of the patterned material reflects the grade of the starting material, adhering to similar requirements for allowable characteristics. Grades for paneling include the finish grades for highest appearance and the Commons or Alternate Board grades for knotty products.

(Refer to WWPA's Standard Patterns publication for dimensioned, scaled profiles of standardized WWPA siding and paneling patterns. Refer to WWPA's Guide to Real Wood Interiors for information on selecting, specifying, installing, finishing and maintaining solid wood paneling.)

Flooring

Wood floors in gyms, factories and homes take an incredible beating. Douglas Fir's strength, beauty and old-fashioned toughness are all prime reasons for choosing this long-lasting wood. Douglas Fir provides a tough surface that will hold a finish, maintain its appearance under extreme wear, and remain level without cracking, scuffing or splintering.

Douglas Fir flooring is available in 1 inches x 4 inches (nominal) sizes in standard lengths 4 and longer. Flooring is machined tongue-and-groove and may be finished in any grade; however, the grade specifically developed for flooring is C & BTR FLOORING, which can be sawn vertical grain for a more refined look.

Products graded for industrial/remanufacturing applications

Characteristics and grades

Douglas Fir has an enviable performance record. The species has earned respect from industrial users worldwide because when it comes to high performance demands and extreme stress conditions, Douglas Fir meets the test. With its tough, strong fiber, high strength in relation to its weight, and its dense grain structure, Douglas Fir is a natural choice for industrial and remanufacturing uses.

Being highly resistant to mechanical abrasion and chemical reaction, Douglas Fir is often used in fabricating vats, tanks, containers, flumes, conduits and similar industrial components that call for an inert material with a long life under rigorous service conditions. Truss fabrication and formwork, mining and tunneling, trestles, bridges, railroad ties, stadiums, warehouses, storage facilities and factories -- all depend on Douglas Fir.

Industrial products include both structural and non-structural grades that are intended for specific applications. Structural grades are used for mining timbers, scaffold plank, foundation lumber and stress-rated boards. Specialized non-structural grades include pickets, lath, battens, stepping and even gutters (used primarily for historic preservation projects). Factory and Shop lumber, one of the three primary grading classifications of Western Lumber products, is non-structural, industrial lumber intended for remanufacturing into an enormous array of products.

Factory and Shop lumber

Millwork standards require that the wood be easy to machine, be of a consistent grade, have few visible knots, be dimensionally stable and have a smooth surface texture. In addition, the grain must be handsome in appearance, the wood easy to glue, hold fasteners well and readily accept finishes. Three western softwood species are consistently specified for millwork: ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir and Hem-Fir (a species combination of Western Hemlock and the true firs). When hardness is desired, in addition to fine appearance, Douglas Fir rivals many hardwoods.

Factory lumber is produced primarily for doors, windows, furniture, frames, moulding and boxes. The grades are especially well suited for ripping and cross cutting to obtain clear pieces for remanufacturing. Factory grade criteria includes specifications, within the grades, for the percentage of the lumber that is available for cuttings in predetermined sizes and qualities, based on typical U.S. joinery and millwork specifications. Moulding stock, which comes in several thicknesses and widths, is suitable for ripping into strips 1 inch and wider by 10 feet and longer.

Shop lumber, nominal 4/4 thickness to 16/4, is used in remanufacturing for sashes and doors, jambs and door component parts, boxes and specialty goods.

Factory and Shop lumber is usually shipped in large quantities, mill-direct to remanufacturers. Many WWPA member companies can accommodate special remanufacturing requirements through buyer/seller agreements.

(Refer to WWPA's Vol.3 Species Book: Factory Lumber for additional information and color photographs of the Factory and Shop grades.)

Stress-rated boards

Stress-Rated Boards are available in Douglas Fir to provide a range of products suitable for special applications where applied design values are a requirement. Uses include light trusses, belt rails, horizontal bracing, rafters, and box beams for factory built homes. When Stress-Rated Boards are gradestamped, the grade name or number for the dimension grade will be shown on the grade stamp along with "SRB" to designate that a board product may be used structurally.

Highways, bridges and railroads

Douglas Fir bridges -- either in the solid sawn designs of past years or in today's glued, stress-laminated forms -- span roads and rivers, lead hikers into the wilderness or over gorges and offer access for everything from golf carts to semi-trailers and heavy machinery. Douglas Fir is a top choice when the material must resist slivering and indentation, be strong, durable, functional and yet, at home in its natural surroundings.

While wooden bridges have been around for centuries, today's engineered bridges of treated wood offer communities some new advantages. they are strong, durable, cost-effective, time efficient to install and reduce the impact of construction on surrounding streamside ecology. Today's technology for stress-laminated wood bridges is gaining wide acceptance throughout the U.S. and in other countries.

Douglas Fir is also the species of choice for sound barrier walls along freeways or for highway guard rails which demand a wood that is treatable, paintable and strong with excellent fastening capability.

Given its resilience under tremendous loads and vibration, and the ability to take and hold heavy railroad spikes tightly, it's clear why Douglas Fir still dominates the railway tracks. From rail car linings and track supports to ties and cross-planking, this western species, treated and untreated, provides long-lasting solutions to very tough jobs.

Treated products

Douglas Fir preservative pressure-treated wood pilings provide long-life performance with resistance to the corrosive salt water conditions of wind, waves, storms and tides. When dramatic design solutions are called for on hillsides or in hurricane country, pressure-treated Douglas Fir pole construction is often the best and most economical solution. Design loads as high as 70 tons have been specified and ultimate loads as high as 235 tons have been carried by Douglas Fir lumber. Treated DF products are also consistently found in foundation stud and plywood walls, vehicular bridges, walkways, parks shelters and foot bridges.

In pressure treating, preservatives are forced into the wood cells and become permanently fixed (nonleaching). Because of its cell structure, Douglas Fir requires incising (small slits cut into the wood's surface before treatment) to improve chemical penetration. Chemical retention is stated in terms of the weight of the chemical retained per cubic foot (pcf) of wood after treatment; the larger the number, the more chemical retained.

The American Wood Preservers Association (AWPA) provides treating standards and retention levels for a number of chemicals. All pressure-treated wood should bear the quality control mark of an agency approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee.

In general, relevant AWPA standards and retention levels for waterborne preservatives are:

• 0.25 pcf to AWPA Standard C-2 is required when the product is used above ground;
• 0.40 pcf to AWPA Standard C-2 is required if the lumber is in contact with soil or fresh water;
• 0.60 pcf to AWPA Standard C-15 is required of the lumber is used as a permanent wood foundation.

For more information refer to WWPA's Treated Lumber TIP Sheet or the Western Wood Preservers Institute's brochure Guide to the Characteristics, Uses and Specifications of Pressure Treated Wood.

Quality control

In the U.S., Douglas Fir and Western Larch are often milled and shipped as a species combination (DF-L) in dimension products for structural applications. However, large volumes of structural-grade Douglas Fir, as a distinct species, are also produced and shipped as both unseasoned and dry products. In appearance products, the two species are usually marketed separately. Western Larch, as a species, is less available than Douglas Fir in all product categories.

The WWPA grademark identifies Western Lumber products backed with assurances for quality, performance and technical support. WWPA maintains a team of lumber inspectors throughout the Western region to monitor the grading and quality control of Western Lumber products from WWPA Member mills, ensuring products consistently meet grade specifications. Additionally, WWPA has technical experts on staff with training and work experience in design, engineering, lumber specifications, code conformance, construction, manufacturing, wood technology and forestry. From the Association's headquarters, these experts offer technical assistance in all aspects of Western Lumber end use for WWPA Member company products.

To order a full-color version of this publication, complete with photos and examples of grades, or any other WWPA title referred in this text, go to the WWPA Publications List.

For a list of WWPA Member mills that produce Douglas Fir lumber products, go to
the WWPA Online Buyers' Guide section.