Lumber Spotlight: Douglas Fir

Even though it is classed as a softwood, Douglas fir is harder than many hardwoods, including chestnut. It is more robust than other types of fir, and using reclaimed Douglas fir offers appeal as well as incentive. At the Lumber Baron, we believe that understanding the qualities of the lumber you use will allow you to make the best choice of materials.

Know Your Lumber

Not all types of fir are the same. In many instances the material being sold by large chain stores may not be a true fir at all, but a closely related species known as Western hemlock. Because this material resembles white fir, the two are often treated as a mix and match brand of fir. Do not confuse this material with Douglas fir, which is more rigid and offers greater tensile strength.

Green Building with Douglas Fir

There are incentives for using reclaimed lumber such as Douglas fir. For example, using reclaimed Douglas fir may make your project eligible for LEED credits, an international marker of sustainability and environmentally sound building practices. If you are building for a sustainable future, or want to make an environmental statement, Douglas fir and other reclaimed lumber are a great investment.

Benefits of Reclaimed Douglas Fir

Reclaimed Douglas fir has other benefits as well. Old growth Douglas fir has been used in a variety of ways, and many of those applications left telltale signs in the lumber itself. Unusual patinas, natural stains, and such notable indicators as old nail holes are only a few of the visible traces found in reclaimed lumber. If you are trying to achieve a rustic look, but still want the best lumber available, foregoing modern mill cuts in favor of reclaimed fir is a practical and appealing solution.

Building on American History

Another interesting aspect of reclaimed Douglas fir is the historical value attached to it. The Lumber Baron searches for old bridges and buildings which were built using old growth lumber and are about to be demolished. Our lumber may be from any number of sites around the nation, and includes Douglas fir taken from the Georgia Pacific Mill in Fort Bragg, the defunct International Harvester plant in Richmond, and siding with a silverish tint recovered from barns throughout the country. Using reclaimed lumber is more than environmentally sound - it is also nostalgically historic.

The Lumber Baron is your one-stop location for newly milled and reclaimed lumber in the San Francisco Bay area. We specialize in reclaimed Douglas fir, redwood and other materials originally milled from old growth forests in the 19th and 20th centuries. We even offer on site milling and surfacing, and delivery services are available.