Compressive Strength Comparison Between Old Growth And New Growth Douglas Fir Lumber

www.homebuildingandrepairs.co... Here's a helpful video for those like myself who are wondering if they need to use old growth Douglas fir lumber for floor joist and roof rafters. I've removed and replace old with new lumber and can tell you that it's rare to come across any used for roof rafters and floor framing that isn't sagging or deformed in one way or another.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

As you made this video, I had to go downstairs into our 103-year-old house in San Francisco and count the end grains some of our exposed old lumber 2X4 used on the second story. Two by sixes were used on the first floor..
I have three that I could see easily when I popped my head up through the attic roof hatch . Stud number one had 98 grains.
Stud number two had 158 grains
Stud number three had 163 grains .
That’s a far cry from Home Depot 6 to 12 greens for a 2 x 4
If you try to drive 3 inch drywall screws or wood screws into the old wood they snap off before you can drive them in all the way .

[@TexasBarnRats]

When I was remodeling my 1949-constructed house, I was moving some walls and was going to re-use the old lumber to save money. I couldn't even drive a nail into the old stuff. I had no choice but to use a nail gun with the regulator turned 10 psi higher than normal.

[@tomsmith2361]

Your videos never disappoint 👍. Stay well.

[@daves3819]

I remember my first home I purchased. It was built in the early 50's and made from 100% Douglas Fir. There was no way to cut it or even drive a nail into it, so I doubt you would ever split it :)

[@antman3525]

I can tell you every time I do some repairs on an older house, fence or any wooden structure, its always harder to cut, screw or nail. Not scientific, but always seems stronger.

[@jjudy5869]

We used older lumber to build our home. Two ways to keep splitting down. One grease/soap your nails and two pre-drill nail holes.

[@gregvancom]

Thanks for sharing

[@one-step-at-a-time-curiosity]

Thank you for this video.

[@pacodefrancis7235]

The old growth vs modern big-growth ring 2nd or 3rd growth makes a much bigger difference in the faster growing eastern species (both SPF and SYP). Doug Fir is cream of the crop and incredibly strong regardless. But that’s very different than eastern lumber that is grown fast in tree farm environments. While it may not be true in California, most homes throughout America are built out of eastern lumber as it’s cheaper and faster growing and not the stronger (and more expensive) western spruce or Doug Fir.

[@AwestrikeFearofGods]

My understanding is that the old growth has a slower average growth rate, resulting in higher average density. Does anyone have numbers for density comparison?

[@nbc911]

Very interesting

[@Ticonderoga12]

Redoin my 1905 house with its original studs, so far so good, im not throwin away superior wood for inferior wood that i have to pay for. I have over 100 studs so i pick n choose, kinda like having my own lumber yard lol

[@gregvancom]

Nice.

[@MrMac5150]

real good

[@bjhunt01]

Drive a toenail into it- what a great line😂

[@donmclellan3083]

No floor joist will span 24 ‘ unless you use steel

[@Ticonderoga12]

LVL beams

[@okie_outlaw]

It's all a scam Greg! Didn't you know that trees are free?! Lol