What species of wood are suitable for timber frames?
We use softwood for frames. In our location, we have a great selection of wood species: Douglas fir, Western red cedar, yellow cedar, pine, spruce, larch, and hemlock. Our climate produces trees with excellent quality, with tight and straight grain. Each of these species is best suited for a particular use. Western red cedar is the most durable against weather conditions, which is why we use it for roof materials and exterior siding materials. Pine is strong but not as strong as Douglas fir, so we use it for furniture or flooring materials. Spruce is the strongest when weight is an issue — it’s used for aircraft materials. Douglas fir is the strongest of these softwoods. It’s also flexible and durable. We believe that it’s the most suitable material for timber frames.
