There are two subspecies of Douglas Fir; the Coast Douglas Fir which occur along the Pacific coast and western Cascades, and the Rocky Mountain or Blue Douglas Fir which is found further inland.

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Old Growth Douglas Fir

The native range of the Coastal Douglas Fir extends from the Coastal Range of California in the south, to central British Columbia in the north. It extends from the Pacific Coast up the west slope of the Cascades to 5,000 elevations. Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir is found in the mountain areas of northeastern and eastern Washington and throughout the Rocky Mountains, at elevations up to 8,000 feet.

The importance of Douglas Fir to the region cannot be understated. It is one of the worlds most valuable timber species and is a major component of forests throughout North America.

All groups of companies we source our Douglas Fir timbers from are committed to sustainable developments and responsible forest stewardship. Certified for PEFC Chain of Custody, (PEFC is the world's largest forest certification organization), FSC Joint Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood Certification, these mills harvest only from sustainably managed forests. All Douglas Fir is considered to be a West Coast Stress Grade of lumber.

Considered Group 1 of the stress grade species, our timbers are Dense #1 Douglas Fir, specifically: Old Growth #1 & Btr FOHC RS Appearance grade. In this grade, knots are scarce and the fiber itself is almost twice as strong as Second Growth Douglas Fir. It has a 16% stronger value according to the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau. No northwest wood is stronger than the dense Old Growth Fir that we offer.

Group 2 includes: Pacific Silver Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, California Red Fir and White Fir.

Group 3 includes: Western Red Cedar, Incense Cedar, Alaska Yellow Cedar and Port Orford Cedar.

Our competitors offer what they call a #1&Btr Kiln Dried Douglas Fir timber. These are Second Growth timbers that are only dry to one inch deep. Our timbers are seasoned, not green, usually to moisture content of less than 19%. This produces a more stable surface and cell wall structure.