Douglas timber is warm red brown softwood from the Douglas fir. In EN 350 it sits in class 3. It is strong and easy to work with standard tools. It is often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than hardwood. It is not for lasting ground contact. The tree is the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). It combines strength with a fairly low weight. That makes it easy to work for home users and contractors. If you want strong outdoor timber for canopies, verandas, fences, cladding, decking, posts and beams, Douglas is widely used in the Netherlands.
Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel started in 2000 (KvK 04062841). We score 4,8 stars from 141 plus reviews. We supply Douglas from stock in common beam sizes. Beams run 45 by 75 to 63 by 175 mm, lengths 2,50 to 6,00 m. Posts run up to 5 m. Boards run 150 to 250 mm. Decking boards are 28 by 145 and 28 by 195 mm. Because Douglas cannot take lasting ground contact, we set posts on concrete pads or post feet. Untreated outdoor timber goes grey over time. That is only the look. The structure stays strong. For anyone asking what Douglas timber is: it is the practical pick for outdoor frames without the hardwood price.
Definition
Douglas timber is softwood from the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The tree first grew in North America and is now widely planted in Europe. The heartwood has a warm red brown colour. That sets it apart from lighter spruce or larch. Under EN 350, Douglas sits in class 3, which means moderately durable. The timber has some natural resistance to fungi and insects. It does not like lasting wet soil. For frames with direct ground contact (use class GK4) Douglas is not the right pick. For above-ground frames and sheltered jobs it is a strong choice.
Properties and durability class
Douglas combines three traits that make it popular. It is strong, fairly light and easy to work with standard tools. Class 3 (EN 350) places it between larch (3 to 4) and spruce (4). So it lasts longer than spruce and sits near larch. For lasting ground contact pick hardwood such as Azobe, Okan, Cumaru or Tali. Impregnated pine GK4 is another path. Douglas works best in canopies, verandas, fences, cladding, decking, posts and beams. Always keep it above ground or on concrete pads. Untreated Douglas goes grey brown over a few seasons. To keep the first colour, use a stain or oil.
Applications
Douglas is a versatile frame timber for many outdoor jobs. Common uses at Houthandel Jan Sok include canopies and verandas. Also fences, cladding (Swedish rabat, pot-lid boards), decking and terrace boards. Also load-bearing beams, posts and rabat profiles for garden houses. Standard sizes in stock: beams 45 by 75 to 63 by 175 mm in lengths 2,50 to 6,00 m. Posts up to 5 m, boards 150 to 250 mm wide. Decking boards 28 by 145 and 28 by 195 mm. If you hesitate between Douglas and impregnated pine, read Douglas versus impregnated pine. For a full buying guide see Buying Douglas timber.
Pros and cons
Pros: strong and reliable in a frame; fairly light and easy to work; warm red brown colour; often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than hardwood; in stock in Meppel.
Cons: not for lasting ground contact (class 3); goes grey when untreated; needs care if you want to keep the colour.
For jobs with lasting ground or water contact we point to hardwood. See our compare Hardwood versus Douglas.
Maintenance
Douglas outdoor timber needs little care, but not zero care. A yearly clean with a mild cleaner lifts algae and dirt. That also slows the grey. To keep the warm colour, oil or stain every 1 to 2 years. For the life of the frame, care is not strictly needed. Grey is only the look and does not weaken the structure. A full step plan is in Douglas maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Douglas timber suitable for in the ground?
No. Douglas sits in class 3 and cannot take lasting ground contact. Set posts on concrete pads or post feet. For frames in the ground pick hardwood (Azobe, Okan, Cumaru, Tali) or impregnated pine GK4.
What is the durability class of Douglas?
Douglas sits in class 3 (EN 350), which means moderately durable. The timber has some resistance to fungi and insects. It does not like lasting wet soil or ground contact.
Do I need to maintain Douglas timber?
Yes. A yearly clean is enough for the life of the frame. To keep the warm colour, oil or stain every 1 to 2 years. Grey without treat is only the look and does not weaken the structure.
How much cheaper is Douglas than hardwood?
Douglas is often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than similar hardwood. For frames without lasting ground contact, Douglas is a cost wise pick. View the range at Douglas range.
How long does Douglas timber last?
Above ground it often lasts 15 to 25 years with good detail. Full guide: how long does Douglas timber last.
Is Douglas hardwood?
No. Douglas is softwood (class 3). Explained: is Douglas hardwood?
What does Douglas timber cost?
Price depends on size and finish. Guide prices: Douglas timber prices. Ordering: buy Douglas timber.
What colour is Douglas timber?
Fresh Douglas has warm red brown heartwood with lighter, yellow white sapwood. Untreated outdoors it goes silver in one to three seasons. That is only the look and does not weaken the structure. With a clear or solid Tenco stain you keep the red brown colour or pick another tint. Colour samples and RAL notes: Douglas colour code.
Related: What is pine timber? · Pine vs Douglas · Outdoor pine and spruce
Want more on ordering and uses? Read buy Douglas timber or browse Douglas in the shop.