Architectural & Structural Standards

1. #1 Structural Grade Kiln-Dried (KD) Douglas Fir

The "Gold Standard" for Strength and Bio-Security.

  • Bio-Security: Kiln-drying reaches temperatures that sanitize the wood, killing any existing larvae or fungi. By dropping moisture below 15%, the wood becomes too dry for most pests to inhabit.

  • Stability: Pre-shrunk to 12%–15% moisture; stays straight and true.

  • Usage: Best for heavy structural loads and high-traffic portals.

2. Western Red Cedar (Kiln-Dried)

The "Natural Fortress" Against Decay.

  • Natural Repellent: Naturally contains organic oils that are toxic to rot, fungus, and insects. It is the most "pest-proof" softwood available.

  • Stability: Minimal shrinkage (6.7%); the most stable exterior wood in North America.

  • Usage: Exposed exterior posts and areas prone to moisture or insect activity.

3. Local "Green" Douglas Fir / Ponderosa Pine

The "High-Risk" Material: A Magnet for Pests and Decay.

  • The Rot Factor: With moisture levels at 30%+, this wood is a breeding ground for fungal decay. It lacks the natural preservatives of Cedar and the heat-sanitization of KD Fir.

  • The Pest Magnet: High moisture softens the wood fibers, making it an ideal target for:

    • Carpenter Bees: Attracted to the soft, moist grain for tunneling.

    • Carpenter Ants: Seek out high-moisture timber to establish satellite colonies.

    • Termites: High moisture content makes the wood easier to consume and digest.

  • Usage: Best for temporary framing only; highly discouraged for exposed exterior architectural use.Why ASCC Products are Superior

When you choose a post from American Southwest Carving, you aren't just buying wood; you are buying peace of mind.

  1. Code Compliance: We exclusively use #1 Structural Grade material, meaning our posts are rated for the weight of your home, not just for "decoration."

  2. Artisanal Precision: Because our wood is Kiln-Dried, it is harder and more stable, allowing for the deep, crisp relief of free-hand sculpting that "green" wood simply cannot hold.

  3. Low Maintenance: Our stable timber accepts high-quality UV-protective stains deeply, doubling the life of your finish compared to splotchy applications on wet wood.

Learn more about Douglas Fir Timbers: Our Douglas Fir timbers are cut primarily from old growth logs. The vast majority of our timbers are classified as "Dense" which means the ring count is at least 6 growth rings per inch. Many of these timbers come from salvage logging, old growth trees that have fallen during a storm. These timbers have little to no sap wood in them which means they will age as a uniform color heartwood to that beautiful rich tan brown for which Douglas Fir is known. Brashy second growth Douglas Fir is just not the same as these gorgeous timbers. Don't sell yourself short - you'll be looking at these timbers as the focal point in your home or building for many years to come. Beyond Timbers, Douglas Fir is a highly versatile species and commonly used in a wide range of construction projects due to its exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. We offer a wide range of materials in boards, timbers, custom cuts, patterns and more. From solid tight know appearance grade through clear, just ask us how we can help you source the very best material available.

DOUGLAS FIR TIMBERS TIMBER FRAMING | POSTS | BEAMS | Douglas Fir is highly sought after due to its exceptional structural qualities and aesthetic appeal. Free of heart center (FOHC) Douglas Fir timbers are especially valued for their uniformity and strength. These timbers, which are free from the tree’s pith, or center, offer superior stability and resistance to warping, twisting, and splitting. This makes them ideal for structural applications where precision and durability are crucial. Additionally, FOHC Douglas Fir’s consistent quality and attractive appearance make it a preferred choice for high-quality construction.


Unmatched Strength of FOHC Douglas Fir, Douglas Fir, is highly sought after due to its exceptional structural qualities and aesthetic appeal. Free of heart center (FOHC) Douglas Fir timbers are especially valued for their uniformity and strength. These timbers, which are free from the tree’s pith, or center, offer superior stability and resistance to warping, twisting, and splitting. This makes them ideal for structural applications where precision and durability are crucial. Additionally, FOHC Douglas Fir’s consistent quality and attractive appearance make it a preferred choice for high-quality construction.


TECHNICAL Grades: No. 1, Dense No. 1, Select Structural Grading Agency: PLIB (Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau) Density: 510 kg/m3 Heartwood: Orange red to reddish brown Sapwood: Yellowish white Radial Shrinkage: 4.5% Tangential Shrinkage: 7.3% Species: Pseudotsuga menziesii Tree Characteristics: Up to 300 ft tall with diameters of 15-18 ft . . . wow! Geographic Area: Western North America Grain/Texture: Generally straight or slightly wavy, medium to coarse texture with moderate luster Durability: Douglas Fir heartwood is rated moderately durable in regard to decay. Easily takes stains and paints, Douglas Fir has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wood species on the planet.


OUR GRADING: Our Douglas Fir Timbers are graded for structural use. All our timbers are grade stamped on one end with the grade, Select Structural, or No. 1 Structural, with approximately 70% of the timbers Select Structural, and 30% No. 1 Structural.

FEATURES     • Superior Quality: Hand selected FOHC (Free of Heart Center) Douglas Fir ensures minimal twisting, cracking, and checking • Sustainability: Sourced from responsibly managed forests, promoting smart conservation • Aesthetic Appeal: Dried to preserve natural beauty and prevent moisture issues • Durability: Reliable and stable, perfect for long-lasting construction  • Peace of Mind: Quality materials from trusted suppliers lead to successful projects.