Douglas fir

3.5 usd/kg
Circularity potential
Very high
Strength
High
Production energy
Ultra low
Stiffness
Medium
Embodied CO2
Ultra low
Density
Low

Douglas fir, also called Oregon pine, is an evergreen conifer like pine and spruce that yields a slightly superior softwood timber. It is grown across the northern and southern hemispheres and readily available from certified sources. Old growth Douglas fir has been heavily depleted and new timber typically comes from plantations, such as from North and South America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.



The yellow-brown heartwood of Douglas fir (Douglas-fir) contrasts with the paler sapwood, and it has a pronounced grain, contributing to its distinctive and recognisable appearance. It is classed as moderately durable and can be used outdoors untreated. However, it is not considered durable enough to be used in applications with prolonged ground contact without treatment.

Applications include heavy construction (posts and poles), home building (structural timber), floors, doorframes, window frames, floors, lining, siding, fascias, bargeboards, general joinery, carving and furniture. It is also used in high-grade engineered wood, such as glulam and plywood. As an impregnated timber, it is used in pilings and boards for marine structures.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
3.5
Embodied energy MJ/kg
0.9-1
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
0.35-0.4
Density kg/m3
480-530
Tensile modulus GPa
10.3-16.4
Tensile strength MPa
2.3-107
Modulus of rupture MPa
82-90
Compressive strength MPa
43-51.2
Hardness Mohs
1
Janka hardness kN
2.1-3.2
Poissons ratio
0.29-0.45
Thermal expansion (µm/m)/ºC
3.8-58.5
Thermal conductivity W/mK
0.12
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 150
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
insulator