Wood lexicon Types of wood

Douglas

[dou gla sie]; [Pseudotsuga menziesii]; Trade names Douglas fir, Douglas fir, Red fir, Yellow fir

douglas-wood dictionary
Origin

West Coast North America, recent plantings in Europe

bulk density

0,5 g / cm³

durability class

3-4

radial shrinkage

0,4%

Tangential shrinkage

1,2%

wood color

pink to light yellow

wood structure

Straight-grained softwood

Usage

Door and window construction, terrace wood

The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), also known as Oregon pine, red fir or yellow fir, is one of the most important tree species in North America for producing lumber. Due to its excellent growth characteristics, Douglas fir was also planted in Germany at the end of the 19th century and today has a forest area share of around 1,7%. Outside the natural range, cultivated Douglas firs often have a high proportion of juvenile wood with wide annual rings and many knots, which significantly influences their wood properties compared to fine-grained wood from North America. Douglas firs are part of the pine family and were named after the Scottish botanist David Douglas, who introduced them to Europe in 1827. In Germany, the Douglas fir is the tallest tree at over 60 meters.

The sapwood varies from white to yellowish gray, while the kernel is light brown to reddish brown when fresh. The growth rings vary in width depending on their origin, which influences their workability. Narrow-ringed wood is easy to work with, while wider growth rings and branches increase the risk of splits. Douglas fir has good bondability and surface treatment, but poor heartwood soakability. It is suitable for outdoor and indoor applications, but its spread is problematic as it can displace natural plant communities. Recommendations for action emphasize limited planting and joint cultivation with native trees, especially European beech, to protect biodiversity. Since Douglas firs have fewer problems with the effects of climate change than many other trees, their share of European forests is expected to increase.

Sources: GD wood, Wikipedia

ab 6,10 

Cumaru decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €70 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant

Disadvantages: ✗ partly rough surface ✗ high power development

Tip: Sand the floorboards after they have been exposed to the weather for the first time.

ab 8,75 

Cumaru decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €70 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant

Disadvantages: ✗ partly rough surface ✗ high power development

Tip: Sand the floorboards after they have been exposed to the weather for the first time.

ab 11,50 

Cumaru decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €70 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant

Disadvantages: ✗ partly rough surface ✗ high power development

Tip: Sand the floorboards after they have been exposed to the weather for the first time.

ab 9,10 

Garapa decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: €65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2

Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color

Disadvantages: ✗ Substances containing iron lead to discoloration ✗ Unscrewed tends to warp

Tip: Patio cleaning removes discoloration and
Professional interim storage avoids delay.

ab 9,80 

Garapa decking boards, FSC 100%
Price from: €65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2

Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color

Disadvantages: ✗ Substances containing iron lead to discoloration ✗ Unscrewed tends to warp

Tip: Patio cleaning removes discoloration and
Professional interim storage avoids delay.

ab 9,10 

Jatoba decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €65 per m2, resistance class: 1-2

Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ strong color and grain

Disadvantages:✗ unoiled tendency to crack ✗ colored ingredients wash out

Tip: Clean and oil decking boards after installation.

ab 3,50 

Teak decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €130 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracks and splinters

Disadvantages: ✗ relatively expensive ✗ not very long boards

Tip: Lay decking boards together.

ab 6,50 

Teak decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €130 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracks and splinters

Disadvantages: ✗ relatively expensive ✗ not very long boards

Tip: Lay decking boards together.

ab 6,80 

Teak decking, FSC 100%
Price from: €130 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracks and splinters

Disadvantages: ✗ relatively expensive ✗ not very long boards

Tip: Lay decking boards together.