Timber Species for Cold Climates: What We Use and Why

Species questions sound aesthetic — until someone asks about checking, span, or smell in a small camp. We offer Douglas Fir or Pine, depending on the frame and your preference. All timber is kiln-dried and treated with a specialty timber oil before it leaves our shop.

What NETF uses

Per our FAQ: Douglas Fir or Pine depending on frame and preference. The 24×27 Arch Truss is available in Douglas Fir. We do not stock exotic species in catalog kits — custom projects may discuss alternatives through custom frames.

Strength, stability, and checking

Both species work in cold-climate timber frames when sized by engineering, not guesswork. Douglas Fir often carries slightly higher allowable stresses for a given dimension; Pine can be economical and beautiful as it ages. Surface checking (small splits) is normal as timber adjusts to interior humidity — it is not structural failure when within expected limits.

Appearance and finish

Exposed posts and plates carry the look of the great room — oiled or stained timbers, with gypsum, tongue-and-groove, or panel infill between members that still needs paint or clear coat. Fir tends toward straighter grain presentation; Pine lightens with age. Oil finish at the shop is baseline protection on the timbers; infill and interior stain choices happen after raise.

Moisture content at ship

Kiln-dried timber reduces on-site shrinkage drama during the first heating season. Store packs off the ground and under cover until raise — especially if delivery precedes enclosure by a season in New England.

Species and engineering

Member sizes in your stamped set match the species assumed in calculations. Do not swap species in the field without engineer review. If you feel strongly about one species, say so at order — we engineer what we cut.

Custom species requests

White oak, hemlock, or other regional favorites appear in custom work occasionally — expect cost and lead time to move. Catalog kits optimize for value and repeatability: economical, precise, beautiful.

Background on joinery and history: what is a timber frame.

Interior humidity and checking

First heating season drives moisture change in exposed timbers. Some checking is normal — engineering sizes members for strength, not perfect cosmetics. Discuss interior humidity control with your HVAC designer on year-round homes.

Matching species to your finish plan

If you plan a dark stain on pine versus a clear coat on fir, tell us at order. Appearance starts with species choice; changing your mind after raise is harder.

Douglas Fir and Pine are our standard species — kiln-dried, oiled at the shop, and engineered for the frame on your plans.