Douglas Fir for Stringers?

[CCrew]

Found some 2x6x16 Douglas Fir lumber... Perfect size to use for my stringers. Epoxy encapsulated, any issues with using it for stringer material, replacing 1x6 White Oak?<br />Thanks!<br />Roger

 

[Columbia]

Re: Douglas Fir for Stringers?

Is this old wood or new? Is it Fir or is it Hemlock? Fir wouldn't be too bad IMHO but Hemlock, which much of so called Fir, sold as Hem/Fir in lumber yards is these days, is unsuitable. It's less stable dimensionally and rots more easily. Hemlock is whitish wherein Fir, especially heart wood is reddish in color. If it's old Fir wood, sometimes old fir can get quite hard and be hard to work and fasten.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Douglas Fir for Stringers?

DF is what I've used on my boat for keel, sheers, chines, and battens. Good rot resistance for a softwood, bends nicely (although I laminated mine to make it easier), good screw holding, easily machined, I'm very pleased with it and will be using more on future boatbuilding projects. It's only drawback is that it can check, especially when bent. The only real solution is epoxy encapsulation which I was doing anyway.

 

[pjc]

Re: Douglas Fir for Stringers?

I have used certified douglas fir ply (stamp on ply says d. fir).<br />What I do question is, since I'm treating all new as well as existing wood with rotdocs antifungal penatrating sealer, is the choice of wood species that critical.<br />I recognize that strength issues may call for oak as compared to a softerwood. But, pine ply and fir ply are of similar strengths per specs. And once treated with penetrating sealer--wood species may be moot point.<br />Additionaly, I have read articles that state that resin encapsulation does not necessarily prevent water penetration--and can trap moisture once it's in. That said, is good logic to treat with a penetrating sealer.<br />My two cents--<br />Pat

 

[CCrew]

Re: Douglas Fir for Stringers?

Old Sailor, it says it's Douglas Fir. It's certainly not a standard fir.. Tends more toward a reddish brown than a normal softwood fir. Not quite a Cedar color, but tending in that direction. <br /><br />Thanks<br />Roger

 

[crab bait]

Re: Douglas Fir for Stringers?

real doug fir is an excellent stringer wood...it's all round good stuff...