In addition to the many domestic and exotic hardwood species, tropical decking, and hardwood plywood which we carry, we also supply our customers with some select softwoods species, including Douglas Fir. Particularly for those customers who require timber framing and exposed beams, Douglas Fir has become a favorite species. As the popularity of such styles continues to soar, we expect our inventory for this premium domestic softwood species to keep pace with the market demand. Why are Douglas Fir timbers so ideal? Let’s take a look!
Douglas Fir Details
Like another domestic softwood species, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir can be classified by whether it grows along the coast or along the Rocky Mountains. Unlike Western Red Cedar, though, one area seems to produce superior Douglas Fir. Because Coastal Douglas Fir trees grow to be much larger and produce more structural timbers, we carry only that variety.
Like many lumber species, the name “Douglas Fir” is a bit of a misnomer; it’s not a Fir, at all. The lumber is similar to Hemlocks, though, with cream-colored earlywood, red-brown latewood, and extremely straight grain. The overall effect of the different-colored lines is a generally warm, orange appearance. The distinct lines separate areas of varying hardness, causing some challenges to milling; as a result, tool edges need to be kept extremely sharp to prevent splintering and tear out.
While exposed beams and timber framing are popular uses for Douglas Fir, other applications include rustic-looking paneling and flooring as well as exterior siding.
Douglas Fir Inventory
At J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber, we always ensure top quality by purchasing our Douglas Fir directly from mills in western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest; we then offer Douglas Fir lumber in both common construction sizes and structural timbers. Due to the growing demand for large timbers and the challenges of moving such large materials across the country, J. Gibson McIlvain maintains a sizable inventory of Douglas Fir on both the East Coast and the West Coast. That system allows us to deliver Douglas Fir structural timbers anywhere in the country, without extensive amounts of lead time.
We carry rough-sawn Douglas Fir lumber in your choice of kiln-dried or radio frequency kiln-dried forms. Our in-house millworks can manufacture any paneling, trim, or mouldings you require, and we can ship those items to your job site, along with any hardwood plywood and other lumber you may need.
Douglas Fir boards which we typically stock include the following common construction sizes: 4/4, 5/4, and 8/4 Rough 4”-12” (kiln dried, vertical grain); 1×4-1×12 (C and better S4S); 2×4-2×12 (C and better S4S); 1×4-1×12 (CVG S4S); 4” and 6” Tongue and Grooved Beaded edge. In addition, we keep an inventory of 4-3 x 4-12 structural timbers in #1 Appearance and Select Grades, Freed of Heart Center.
Learn More About the Wood Industry
• Understanding Douglas Fir’s Strengths & Weaknesses
• Comparing Douglas Fir with Western Red Cedar
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.
As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.
Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.
Log homes and timber frame construction provide unique settings in which to showcase massive specimens of lumber and craftsmanship. They echo with nostalgia for a bygone era in which pegged joints and solid wood joinery were appreciated as they should be. The strength required of thick posts and gigantic trusses elicit feelings of awe. As timber frame construction ventures beyond the scope of rustic homes, the industry is on the rise. However, the sheer length and quantity of appearance-grade lumber required can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Luckily, the longtime lumber specialists at J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber consistently provide the Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar that is suitable for this industry.
As the timber of choice for structural parts, Douglas Fir boasts excellent strength and weather resistance. Because these trees quickly grow to great heights and widths, they’re easily available—a key factor when large lengths and widths are needed. Widths such as 8”x8” or even 12”x12” are common, as are lengths of 25 feet and longer. The tight grain of Douglas Fir finishes well, making it an ideal species for timber framing needs. One downside for a Midwest or East Coast supplier is that Douglas Fir grows only in the Pacific Northwest, making shipping such large timbers difficult and expensive with some suppliers. Other suppliers, though, like McIlvain, offer nationwide shipping, thus eliminating this drawback.
With the structural parts taken care of, there are still more raw materials needed. 
One of the first things to go after Christmas Day is the tree. But for some individuals, Christmas trees never truly leave their homes. Although the twinkling lights are gone, undercover Christmas trees still remain an integral part of their houses. These multipurpose Douglas Fir trees support the frames of many houses, and are also used as protective siding. Prized for its strength, grain integrity, and length (among many other positive characteristics), the Douglas Fir forms the backbone of many construction projects while also adding grandeur and rugged charm.
Douglas Fir, which boasts warm yellow, orange, and pink tones (depending on its age), is also prized for its appearance. Many homeowners choose to leave their Douglas Fir timbers exposed for a rugged, classic look. Log cabins are especially reliant on Douglas Fir to lend an earthy feel to the home’s decor.
Varieties
Douglas Fir, a type of evergreen tree, is native to the western half of North America. There are two main species of