(Lou Parker) wrote in message . com...
Can anyone tell me the truth? When I read articles about the
difference between the two woods, the information says that fir is 23%
stronger than spruce. When I talk to people they say only 10%. Anyone
got a handle on this?
Lou

You need to know that Douglas Fir is not fir. That may be the source
of the confusion here. Douglas Fir is also known as Oregon Pine and
it is not a pine either. Douglas Fir is its own genus, I forget the
Latin name but understand that it translates to 'pseudo-hemlock' and
no, it's not a hemlock either.

Softwood lumber is often classified in 'species groups' with minimum
standards for tensile strength for each group. The cheapest is usually
S-P-F which stands for spruce, pine or fir. Another category is
'Hem-Fir' which may be hemlock or (true) fir. Doug Fir is usually
either grouped by itself, or with Larch. Southern Yellow Pine also
is usually grouped by itself.

Fir, pine, spruce, and hemlock are genuses. THere are several species
within each genus and many will also hybridize in the wild. I think
there is only one species of Douglas Fir.

But there are also significant differences within Douglas Fir depending
on where it is grown and whether it is old growth or second growth.

If the wood you are buying or reading about is just called fir, it
probably is NOT Douglas Fir.

Hope this helps.

--

FF