Douglas Fir Timber

[hibbo]

Hello everyone,

Does any one know if Doug Fir is any good for manufacturing external windows and doors, as i have a client who wants to supply his own materials for me to manufacture with.
The timber has been air drying for around 8 months so i know i will need to moisture test it, but im just unsure if it is the correct material for painted box sash windows.
Any info would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Hibbo

 

[denboy]

I would not presume to be an expert but Douglas Fir has always been used for back doors (to be painted)

 

[Chrispy]

Yes it's durable, straight and fairly knot free but does contain resin pockets that will bleed, and can be a pita to machine sometimes due to splitting.
I would want to know more about the quality of the timber though, if its only 8 months air dry it is presumably local grown stuff so won't be graded, and I thought it was normally used for garden sleepers/fencing type work.

 

[hibbo]

Thanks for the advise it is grown and cut in Scotland by the customer as he has his own saw mill and i have been told it is all prime grade, so i think my main concern is that the moisture content is correct before manufacture.

Thanks

Hibbo

 

[Chrispy]

Ah! well it sounds as though he should know what he doing then, and if it's for his own house then it probably will be top stuff.

 

[Self Taught]

Hi hibbo,

Douglas fir is excellent for doors and windows. I would check the moisture, and keep the grain as close to quarter sawn as possible. Prime with a good oil based primer, and finish with a good top coat. Jamey

 

[RobinBHM]

Most window and door sections are made from 63mm and 75mm thick material, Im not sure that it would be dry in 8 months air dried.

Dug fir is an excellent timber for joinery. As mentioned above, resin pockets and splits are a pain

 

[James-1986]

It's slightly durable, stuff imported from Canada is better durability wise.