Why Douglas Fir Wood is the Best Choice for Yurt Construction

We choose to build with Douglas Fir Wood because it makes all the difference in strength, function, and looks. We don’t just pick any wood, we pick Douglas Fir wood and then we get picky about that wood!

• Meets the Rainier Outdoor Yurt wood quality standards.
• Is strong, beautiful, and sustainable.
• Has the highest resistance to an applied load of all North American softwoods.

Built with Douglas Fir wood as the first choice of architects and engineers, when specifying structural lumber. Douglas Fir is chosen for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and its dimensional stability.  In addition, it is documented to have superior performance in actual use against strong winds, storms, and earthquakes.

Above: Not only is this a great view of Rainier's Doug Fir but it is an example of how the rafters are installed.

Rainier Outdoor takes this a step further by physically machine testing the strength of each individual rafter to assure it meets a specific level of engineered strength. This process allows our yurts to attain higher wind and snow loads without unnecessary structural additions such as center posts. The known bending ratio of these rafters gives our engineer accurate and repeatable strength factors to enter into his numerous equations. These Yurt frame headers below are heat-treated and kiln-dried. I mean these are gorgeous pieces of wood!

Built with Douglas Fir wood for enhanced beauty. Rainier Outdoor refines our rafter selection process with a visual inspection, allowing only Select Structural planks to be used in our yurt rafters. For example, we sort out wood that may be strong but does not meet our standards for beauty, such as color, grain pattern, texture, knot type, and quantity of knots.
Douglas Fir has a light rosy color with a remarkably straight grain. It will redden slightly over time when exposed to light.

In terms of volume per acre, Douglas Fir timber lands are the most productive softwood timber lands in the United States. This is why building with Douglas Fir wood is incredibly sustainable. The northwest region of the U.S. is governed by environmental laws for the protection of habitat. Stands of timber in the northwest are managed primarily in natural stands on long rotations. Hundreds of square miles of forests are set aside permanently in National Parks and Wilderness Areas and are not a part of the harvestable by law.

Douglas Fir is the logical choice of wood for our yurts frames. Not only that but Rainier Outdoor can choose from many locally grown softwoods because Seattle is in the heart of the northwest forests. Rainier Outdoor chooses Douglas Fir wood because it is the natural, proper, sustainable wood for a Rainier Outdoor Quality Structure.

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Why is Douglas Fir wood ideal for yurt construction?

Douglas Fir is known for its strength, resilience, and ability to withstand extreme weather, making it ideal for yurts.

Is Douglas Fir sustainable?

Yes, it is sustainably harvested from well-managed forests in the Pacific Northwest.

How does Douglas Fir perform in outdoor conditions?

Its natural properties make it highly resistant to wind, storms, and other harsh weather conditions.

What treatments are applied to Douglas Fir for yurt use?

Rainier Outdoor applies heat treatments and kiln drying to maximize strength and durability.

How long does Douglas Fir last in yurt construction?

With proper care, Douglas Fir can last decades, providing long-term strength and beauty.