Douglas Fir Flooring: An introduction
Posted: February 24, 2020
Characteristic of Douglas Fir Flooring
Douglas Fir flooring is renowned for many of its characteristics including its light finish and Scandinavian-chic appeal. It is a modern and durable choice that many opt for. Our sustainable wood flooring is made from a particular type of Fir tree that falls under the softwood category. It is an unusually tall species of Fir that produces luxurious, long planks perfect for flooring.
As well as being extra long, Douglas Fir’s width can be used to make a statement. Its wide-planked finish will give any room a quirky and charming feel. Another great characteristic of Douglas Fir is that is an environmentally friendly hardwood flooring. Douglas Fir is non-toxic, recyclable, long-lasting, and grows naturally. You can benefit from both beauty and peace of mind, knowing that your choice of wood is from a natural and sustainable source. Because of these characteristics, the Douglas Fir possesses a high level of versatility. Its modern, clean lines make Douglas Fir flooring the perfect choice for the modern home, and its light tone makes it ideal for creating the illusion of increased space and light. If a light wash isn’t in keeping with your tastes, however, Douglas Fir flooring can easily be stained with a deeper color to add a completely different feel to your space.
While some woods are naturally too dark to offer this versatility, the Douglas Fir’s neutral hue means it can be almost any color you desire. Because it is also recyclable, it can be saved from previous projects and used to create a reclaimed wood floor. This is not only environmentally friendly but could also save money and add extra character when it comes to renovating a space.
Despite its ‘softwood’ label and light finish, Douglas Fir can be very hard-wearing if given the right treatment either before you lay it or shortly afterward. A testament to its hardiness and its aesthetic, it was chosen as the flooring material for the world-renowned Saatchi Gallery in London, UK. This original flooring has been installed since the gallery’s opening in the 1980s.
Just as suited to residential properties, you can expect it to add value to any home. A solid wood flooring adds gravitas to a room and this particular type will last for generations to come. At home in the living room, hallway, bathroom, or kitchen, Douglas Fir will survive all the trials of modern living, as long as it is looked after correctly. It also has the added bonus of being the perfect overlay for underfloor heating. Because of the stability of this particular type of wood, it won’t warp or react badly to radiant heat.
Douglas Fir is considered one of the only woods that offers such a variety of sought-after qualities. If you are now convinced that this is the flooring material for you, you will next need to consider installation. Once your floor is delivered, one of the most important things to do is to allow the wood to acclimate in your home. Douglas Fir needs to be brought into the area where it will be installed around 48 hours before installation. This will allow it to expand or contract with the heat and humidity of the room and will prevent the buckling of the wood later down the line.
Whether you are installing your flooring yourself or going down the professional route, this step is key to its success. Douglas Fir can be installed by nailing, stapling, and/or gluing, depending on your preference. For bathrooms and kitchens, many people prefer to trowel on a mastic glue as it creates a tighter seal to prevent water from getting underneath the boards. If the flooring is properly sealed at this point, no water will be able to get underneath the surface and you should not experience any problems.
Your prefinished solid hardwood flooring can be vacuumed, dusted, and mopped without any problem. It is always a good idea to speak to a professional about specific products to use on your wood flooring. You can either speak to your wood supplier or whomever you choose to lay the boards for you. Like many other kinds of wood, it may suffer splits or shakes in its early days. This is typical, and once it has had enough time to settle, it can be repaired and finished.
This adds to the character and aesthetic of the wood and should not be seen as a defect. Having read this, you may be thinking that Douglas Fir is the perfect choice for your new floor, and you may well be right. The right flooring choice can transform your residential or commercial project even without altering the rest of your decor.
With Douglas Fir, you benefit from all the best that natural wood offers; versatility, durability, and eco-friendly qualities.
If you’re in the market for hardwood floors, it’s time to take a closer look at Douglas Fir Flooring.