Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Domestic Species
Vertical Grain Fir Flooring
Douglas-fir flooring is a traditional flooring choice.
Vertical Grain Fir Flooring Dimension Specifications:
Clear Vertical Grain Fir flooring has lengths typically of 6 to 16 feet. Standard widths are 31/8″ and 5½″. Custom widths from 2¼″ up to 8″ or more can be made by request. Lengths are either 1-7 feet, or 6 feet and longer with standard milling. Moisture content is between 6% and 8% for quick acclimation. Douglas-fir is only found unfinished but is available prefinished and engineered with a veneer top layer by custom order.
Flooring Availability:
Clear Douglas-fir flooring is readily available. Custom orders usually demand 2-3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability.
Finished Floor Appearance:
Vertical Grain Douglas-fir has an even light pink and yellow color without knots and defects. Douglas-fir is not particularly sensitive to sunlight but will amber considerably with an oil-based finish over time. Water-based finishes can be applied to slow any color change but may be difficult to use because of grain raise.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
Douglas-fir flooring is not durable and dents quite easily.
Workability of Vertical Grain Fir Flooring:
Being a softwood, Douglas-fir flooring works easily with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers work well. Douglas-fir can produce splinters. Extra care must be taken when working with the flooring, especially the vertical grain. Fir holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It is relatively easy to sand with flooring equipment, but professional sanding and finishing is recommended. Fir accepts stain well, which can alter the appearance of the floor drastically. Stain can appear blotchy if stain conditioner is not applied.
Principal Uses of Vertical Grain Vertical Grain Fir Flooring:
Because of its vertical grain appearance, Vertical Grain Fir flooring is used in medium- and high-end residential applications for a traditional floor.
Learn more about these other Douglas-fir wood flooring grades:
« About Douglas-fir Wood Flooring
