Douglas Fir FOHC Timbers

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.

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.

DOUG FIR FOHC DENSE OLD GROWTH TIMBERS IN 10X14

DOUG FIR FOHC DENSE OLD GROWTH TIMBERS IN 10X12

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.