Douglas Fir is most commonly used in home construction where it excels as a wood for making doors and windows. In the past Douglas Fir was so plentiful it was used for entire houses. As Douglas Fir is becoming more scarce it is reserved for use as structural elements such as large beams and stair stringers. T he wood is very strong and dries well, and once dry it continues to cure as the resin in the cells oxidizes over time making the aged wood even harder and more stable. The one drawback that Douglas fir has is that it tends to splinter when shaping. The wood I have came from a tree that was removed from a PG&E high voltage line right of way that was expanded after the the summer fires of 2004. I will use some of what I have to make some double hung sash windows for my house and maybe a door or two but I should have a bit left. It is not usually considered a furniture wood but this is such beautiful old growth wood that I think it would be a wonderful way to honor this wood. Perhaps in a tansu chest.
©Robin Corell 2005