DOUGLAS FIR TIMBERS
Timber Framing | Posts | Beams | Stringers
Douglas Fir is highly sought after due to its exceptional structural qualities and aesthetic appeal. Free of heart center (FOHC) Doug Fir timbers are especially valued for their uniformity and strength. These timbers, which are free from the tree's pith, or center, offer superior stability and resistance to warping, twisting, and splitting. This makes them ideal for structural applications where precision and durability are crucial. Additionally, FOHC Douglas Fir's consistent quality and attractive appearance make it a preferred choice for high-quality construction. Nova is the only supplier with significant FOHC Doug Fir timber inventory on the ground in the Northeast. Our Hudson Valley, NY facility allows us to remanufacture and surface timbers to S4S locally, dramatically reducing lead times for our East Coast customers.
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Old Growth, Dense, Douglas Fir Timbers
Timber Framing | Posts | Beams | Stringers | Full Sawn Rough | S4S Surfacing | Lengths to 26'
Our Douglas Fir timbers are cut primarily from old growth logs. The vast majority of our timbers are classified as "Dense" which means the ring count is at least 6 growth rings per inch. Many of these timbers come from salvage logging, old growth trees that have fallen during a storm. These timbers have little to no sap wood in them which means they will age as a uniform color heartwood to that beautiful rich tan brown for which Douglas Fir is known. Brashy second growth Douglas Fir is just not the same as these gorgeous timbers. Don't sell yourself short - you'll be looking at these timbers as the focal point in your home or building for many years to come.
Beyond Timbers, Douglas Fir is a highly versatile species and commonly used in a wide range of construction projects due to its exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. We offer a wide range of materials in boards, timbers, custom cuts, patterns and more. From solid tight knot appearance grade through clear, just ask us how we can help you source the very best material available.
The Nova Advantage
East Coast Inventory: Nova is the only supplier with significant Doug Fir timber inventory on the ground in the Northeast, with our Hudson Valley, NY facility ready to serve the region In-House Remanufacturing: We surface timbers to S4S right at our Hudson Valley location - no waiting for West Coast lead times Premium Supply Chain: We source exclusively from the finest sawmills in the Northwest - dense, fine grain, old growth FOHC timbers only Proper Air Drying: Our timbers are air dried for several months before final S4S surfacing, ensuring stability and preventing checking Aesthetic Appeal: Air drying also preserves natural beauty and prevents moisture issues Superior Quality: Hand selected FOHC (Free of Heart Center) Douglas Fir ensures minimal twisting, cracking, and checking Sustainability: Sourced from responsibly managed forests, promoting smart conservation Peace of Mind: Quality materials from trusted suppliers lead to successful projects
Applications
Timber Frame Homes Exposed Beam Ceilings Outdoor Decks & Porches Pergolas & Gazebos Barns & Agricultural Buildings Appearance Grade Boards Interior & Exterior Flooring Interior & Exterior Paneling Custom Patterns Rough Full Sawn Sizes in Stock 4x6, 4x8, 4x10, 4x12, 4x16 - 8' to 24' 6x6, 6x8, 6x10, 6x12, 6x14 - 8' to 26' 8x8, 8x10, 8x12, 8x14, 8x16 - 10' to 26' 10x10, 10x12, 10x14, 10x16, 10x18 - 10' to 26' 12x12 - 10' to 26' Surfacing Available - 2 Weeks or Sooner
Technical
Grades: No. 1, Dense No. 1, Select Structural Grading Agency: PLIB (Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau) Density: 510 kg/m3 Heartwood: Orange red to reddish brown Sapwood: Yellowish white Radial Shrinkage: 4.5% Tangential Shrinkage: 7.3% Species: Pseudotsuga menziesii Tree Characteristics: Up to 300 ft tall with diameters of 15-18 ft . . . wow! Geographic Area: Western North America Grain/Texture: Generally straight or slightly wavy, medium to coarse texture with moderate luster Durability: Douglas Fir heartwood is rated moderately durable in regard to decay Finishing: Easily takes stains and paints Douglas Fir has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wood species on the planet.
Douglas Fir Tree Size Comparison
As shown at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, Douglas Fir can grow to immensely large trees. Old growth Douglas Fir can reach heights of well over 300 feet tall and over 12 feet across at the base. The immense volume of added fiber from 240 to 635 years in age is a pretty clear illustration of just how much these incredible trees can grow when left to mature. The life expectancy of Douglas Fir when left on its own is 500 to 1000 years. Natural occurrences such as fire, wind, and disease can cut short the life of these truly magnificent trees. FOHC Timbers are cut towards the center of the log when breaking down a larger log. Smaller logs won't yield a lot of clear lumber, so Timbers become the next highest value target cutting. The closer you get to the pith or center of the log, the more likely you are to find in grown knots. And of course, FOHC Timbers never include the center or pith - Free of Heart Center.
Meticulously Air Dried
When Douglas Fir is air-dried rather than kiln-dried it retains its natural moisture content and color better, reducing the risk of excessive cracking or shrinking. This slow drying process enhances the wood’s visual characteristics, preserving its natural grain and aesthetic appeal. Air-dried Douglas Fir is favored for projects where the visual qualities of the wood are paramount, such as in exposed beams or detailed woodworking. This method also aligns with sustainable practices, ensuring the wood’s longevity and performance in various construction environments. Together, these qualities underscore Douglas Fir’s reputation as a versatile and reliable building material.
Our Grading
Our Douglas Fir Timbers are graded for structural use. All our timbers are grade stamped on one end with the grade, Select Structural, or No. 1 Structural, with approximately 70% of the timbers Select Structural, and 30% No. 1 Structural.
Why Nova for Douglas Fir Timbers?
Nova's Douglas Fir Timber program is unique in the industry. We maintain substantial inventory in the Northeast at our Hudson Valley, NY facility where we can remanufacture timbers to S4S specifications. Our timbers air dry for a minimum of several months before final surfacing, ensuring optimal stability and moisture content. We source exclusively from the finest sawmills in the Pacific Northwest - our supply of dense, fine grain, old growth FOHC Doug Fir timbers is second to none. If you're looking for the best Douglas Fir timbers with East Coast availability and fast turnaround on S4S surfacing, Nova is the clear choice.
