DOUGLAS-FIR
Part of the pine family, it is native to North America but planted and used in Europe, especially due to its durability. Its natural colour is brown with hints of red or yellow.
Pros:
– Douglas-fir is a fairly durable, not too expensive, non-endangered wood. (ref)
– Plantations exist in the UK and Europe, and are routinely replenished helping maintain sustainability, (ref) The local sourcing will also reduce travel impacts on the environment.
– Its resistance to pests and drought may also be useful for the future. As the climate becomes hotter, Douglas-fir could continue to grow (ref) whereas other trees could perish in the drier and hotter conditions.
– It has a high growth and fertility rate. (ref)
– Douglas-fir can be FSC certified. (ref)
Cons:
– It can be imported from further afield than Europe which will add to the energy and fuel used to obtain the timber.
– Sources that are not certified and outside of Europe may be less reliable in terms of sustainability. (ref)
– It can be pressure treated.
– Plantations of Pine (Douglas-Fir) can affect the biodiversity of an area. (ref)
Douglas-fir Summary
A fairly durable wood, and part of the Pine family, it is a fast-growing tree, meaning it can be harvested quickly, providing profits for the plantation but also ensuring there is a sustainable supply of timber to meet the demand in the future, many plantations can be found in the UK and EU. Local sourcing reduces the woods carbon footprint and third-party certification can help ensure sustainable timber. However, like Pine, it can be treated which may have environmental issues. Locally sourced Cedar wood can be seen as an alternative to Pine woods.
