The data given below are average data. These data, extracted mainly from the Guide des essences de bois (Guide to wood species, Published by Eyrolles - appearing November 2007), may in effect be influenced by numerous criteria particularly related to the maturity of the tree, the forestry practised, site factors, etc.
It does, however, give a quite accurate general snapshot of the main characteristics of Douglas Fir.
Description of the wood
- Reference colour: pinkish-brown
- Sapwood and heartwood are clearly distinct
- Straight grain, medium texture, no countergrain
- Tight knots of varying sizes
- Very localised pockets of resin of varying size
Resource
- Species: Green Douglas Fir pseudotsuga menziesii
- Coverage: Throughout France, mainly in the Massif Central
- Availability: very high
The Douglas Fir is developing strongly and the volumes available are growing
Physical properties
- Density at 12%: 540 kg/m3
- Total volumetric shrinkage: 13.2%
- Tangential linear shrinkage: 8.1 %
- Radial linear shrinkage: 5.1 %
- Percentage of bark (adult tree): 13 %
Mechanical properties
- Breaking stress under axial compression: 55 MPa
- Breaking stress under axial traction: 93 MPa
- Breaking stress under parallel bending: 85 MPa
- Elastic modulus: 12,100 MPa
- Brinell hardness parallel to the fibres: 44 N/mm2
- Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres 18 N/mm2
- Monnin hardness: 0.22 mm
Resistance
- Fungi: moderately resistant
- Woodworm and Capricorn beetles: sensitive (sapwood only)
- Termites: sensitive
- Heartwood impregnability: not impregnable
- Sapwood impregnability: medium to low impregnability
- Natural compatibility (heartwood): up to category of use 3.2 from the Documentation Instalment FD P 20-651
Drying, machining, finish, uses
- Relatively quick drying, easy
- Normal machining, proper adhesion, good resistance to nailing
- Can receive a finish
- Use in frames, building shells, internal covering, fittings, joinery, landscaping, works of art, etc.
