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Douglas
Fir-Western Larch (DF-L)
This species combination has the highest modulus
of elasticity (MOE or E) value (the stiffness factor in floor systems)
of all North American softwoods. In strength properties, DF-L has
the highest ratings of any Western softwood for fiber stress in
bending, tension parallel to grain, horizontal shear, compression
perpendicular and compression parallel to grain.
Douglas Fir (DF) is often the standard against which all other framing
species are measured. Its strength combined with a superior strength-to-weight
ratio, high specific gravity (for excellent nail and plate-holding
capability), excellent dimensional stability (giving "green"
DF products the ability to season well in position), the moderate
decay resistance of its heartwood, and documented excellent performance
record against strong forces resulting from winds, storms and earthquakes,
have given Douglas Fir its reputation. It is also tight knotted
and close grained, adding the bonus of beauty to its structural
capabilities. Color, grain pattern, texture, knot size and type
are addressed in the rules for appearance grades.
Douglas Fir is the lead species for the West, with more volume shipped
than any other species, and its sterling performance history is
recognized the world over. It is abundant and widely available in
second and third-growth stands yielding products in multiple grade
classifications: dimension and other framing products, engineered
structural products such as MSR, finger-jointed, and glu-lam products,
high (clear) to low (economy) grade appearance products, and industrial
and specialty grades. DF doors, manufactured from products in the
Factory & Shop grade classification, are renowned for their
beauty and performance.
Douglas
Fir's light rosy color is set off by its remarkably straight and
handsome grain pattern. Sapwood is white to pale yellow; heartwood
is russet with high contrast between the springwood and summerwood.
While similar, Western Larch is slightly darker in color, with the
heartwood being a reddish brown and the sapwood a straw brown.
Douglas
Fir grows throughout Western forests with the most abundant region
being in the coastal climates of Oregon, Washington and northern
California. In the Inland Region, east of the crest of the Cascade
Mountains, Douglas Fir and Western Larch often grow in intermixed
stands. Usually marketed separately in the appearance grades to
provide more options for the marketplace, coastal and inland Douglas
Fir and Western Larch share similar structural performance characteristics
and are often combined in dimension lumber structural products.
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Ponderosa
Pine
Ponderosa Pine is perhaps the most beloved of the Western pines.
Its soft texture and light color distinguish it from the Southern
pines; its wood is among the most beautiful of all pines. Sapwood
is nearly white to pale yellow, heartwood is light to reddish
brown. Clear finishes with UV blockers can help retain its freshly-milled
color. It has a pleasant pine odor and is slightly resinous.
Moderately
strong, straight grained, and dimensionally stable, it is favored
for all kinds of joinery including window frames, doors and architraves,
and is used for shelving, paneling, trim, and furniture. It is
the species of choice for premium-grade wood windows.
Inland Red Cedar
Inland Red Cedar is non-resinous and has a strong spicy odor.
Heartwood varies from dark reddish brown to a pinkish color and
has excellent weather-resistant properties. Sapwood is light yellow.
One of the lightest in weight of the commercially important softwoods,
it is often used for houseboats. It is valued for paneling, decks,
and greenhouses as well as for siding, posts, fencing, shingles
and shakes.
Idaho White Pine
Idaho White Pine varies from nearly white to pale reddish brown
and darkens with exposure. It is famous for its workability across
or with the grain and is valued for joinery, foundry patterns,
paneling, interior trim, furniture, boxes and siding. It is the
preferred species for stage flooring in theaters. Availability
is limited.
Species
information courtesy of the
Western Wood Products Association.
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