Scientific name

Pseudotsuga menziessi Franco

Other names

English: Oregon pine, Douglas fir; Douglas

Geographic origin

Northamerica (introduced in Europe, Australia, New Zeland)

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: Pale shade yellow
&;8226; Heartwood: yellowish brown
&;8226; Fiber: Straight
&;8226; Grain: medium size to rough
&;8226; Characteristic defects: thick and adhesive Knots

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: From medium to low capacity of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: No capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: Easy and with no difficulties
&;8226; Drying process: Easy. Low risk of crack formation.
&;8226; Planing process: Easy and with no difficulties
&;8226; Gluing process: Easy
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: No difficulties. Resistance to be pulled away.
&;8226; Finish: No difficulties, although a blending agent should be applied in order to homogenize wood

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity
510 kg/m3 semi-light wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient 0,41% stable wood
- Relation between contractions 1,59% no tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 2,45 Semi-softwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 860 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 128,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 525 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel traction 930 kg/cm2

Observations

The Sapwood has a very different colour