Is Douglas Fir too soft for flooring?
Posted: March 9, 2020Updated 6/2/2025
Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
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Is Douglas Fir too soft for flooring?
We often get asked, “Don’t you think Douglas Fir wood is too soft of a species to be used as hardwood flooring?
Douglas Fir is softer than other species like Oak, Hickory, Maple, etc. However, Douglas Fir has been used for flooring for hundreds of years. A testament to Douglas Fir’s durability is that many Fir floors that were installed over 100 years ago are now being refinished and re-sold as reclaimed flooring. Douglas Fir is the most stable species used for hardwood flooring. Hardness or a Janka rating is important if customers are concerned about protecting the floor from dents and scratches. We specialize in highly textured/rustic Douglas Fir flooring. The inevitable dent, ding, and scratch add to a rustic floor’s character and appearance. We often tell customers to do a “Costco can of corn test”; drop a Costco-sized can of corn on our flooring, walk away, and then try to find the dent. The dent will blend in and add to the character of the floor.
Our flooring is not for everyone, but it’s a great fit for eco-friendly and sustainably-conscious customers that want a “living floor”, one that will last their lifetime and looks just as good on day 1 or day 1,000. The dents, dings, and scratches are often memories and the character added to their floor as they truly “live” on them.
If you’re in the market for hardwood floors, it’s time to take a closer look at Douglas Fir Flooring.
Add a dent, ding, or scratch to one of these and it simply looks better!
Our knowledgeable and educated staff is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Please call us today for a free quote: Ph# 406.642.7120 or click here to submit an inquiry online. We look forward to working with you on your next project!