Our Guide to the Best and Worst Woods for Timber Framing
- Taylor Meckling
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
At Arrow Timber, we believe that timber framing is an art form, and the soul of any project is the wood itself. Choosing the right species is a crucial decision that affects a structure's strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.
As a company based in the Pacific Northwest, our recommendations are based on years of hands-on experience, naturally shaped by the species readily available in our region. This practical knowledge is complemented by data from respected industry studies, such as the Wood Handbook, published by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the National Design Specification for Wood Construction, from the American Wood Council.
Here is our guide to the woods we prefer to work with, and a few we believe are better suited for other purposes.
Bonus Video:
Woods to Approach with Caution
While most woods have their place, some present challenges in structural timber framing that lead us to recommend other options, particularly given the high-quality alternatives available to us in the West.
Spruce
In our experience, spruce has a unique tendency to shrink lengthwise, which can compromise joint integrity over time. Data on Sitka spruce shows it is less strong than many other softwoods. In the Pacific Northwest, it is both scarce and expensive compared to abundant local woods like fir or cedar. For these reasons, we typically reserve it for decorative, non-structural applications.
Pine
Now, this might be our most controversial take. We recognize that pine, particularly Eastern White Pine, has a long and storied history in American timber framing and remains a beloved choice for many skilled builders. Our perspective, however, is shaped by the exceptional softwoods available in our own backyard.
Compared to the incredibly strong and stable Douglas fir that is so abundant here, we find that the pine species available to us often don't measure up for primary structural work. In our experience, they tend to be less strong, with more of the pitch bleeding and numerous knots that, while rustic, can be a structural disadvantage. While the data shows White Pine is an inexpensive and resistant option, its lower strength grade is why we prefer our local fir and cedar for the main frame.
Hemlock
Western hemlock is abundant and inexpensive in our region. However, we have found it can be challenging to work with. It is prone to twisting and requires exceptionally sharp tooling for clean cuts. While sometimes graded similarly to Douglas fir, the data shows it has a lower strength grade.
Regarding our take on Pine, where do you stand?
I agree. In the PNW, Douglas fir is the superior structural
I disagree. A good quality Pine is a top-tier choice in any
It depends on the specific species of pine.
Our Preferred Woods for Timber Framing
These are the species we confidently recommend for their superior combination of strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal.
Western Red Cedar
For outdoor structures, we frequently turn to Western red cedar. Its superior weather resistance is a significant advantage over less-resistant species like red oak. It is also exceptionally stable, experiencing less shrinkage than most other wood species. It carries a high strength grade, is abundant in the PNW, and comes in at a moderate cost. Its natural oils and beautiful reddish-brown tones make it perfect for elegant, long-lasting outdoor living spaces.
Redwood
Like cedar, redwood is another excellent choice for its high strength and low shrinkage. It is also very resistant to weather, making it a durable exterior option. We find its straight grain and light reddish-brown color to be consistently beautiful. The primary distinction is that redwood is typically more expensive and less abundant in the PNW than Western red cedar.
Larch
Larch is a noteworthy option that boasts the highest strength grade of all the woods in this list. It is very resistant to weather, though it does experience more shrinkage than species like cedar or fir. It is available in our region and its distinctive "cathedral" grain pattern can create a unique and striking look.
Oak
The classic, wavy grain of Red oak is unmistakable and makes for a stunning frame. It also has a high strength grade, making it suitable for demanding structural loads. However, these benefits must be weighed against its drawbacks. It shrinks more than any other wood listed here and is less weather-resistant. In the PNW, it is also scarce. We’ve also found that green oak tends to move significantly as it dries, requiring a fast and precise installation.
Douglas Fir: Our Top Recommendation
Drum roll, please! Time and again, our top choice for all-around performance is Douglas fir. It combines high marks in strength and weather resistance with the benefits of being affordable and abundant here in the Pacific Northwest. Its shrinkage is average, making it more stable than oak or larch. In our experience, Douglas fir is simply a joy to work with. Its straight grain is beautiful on its own and also accepts stain wonderfully, allowing for a high degree of color customization while preserving the natural texture of the wood. For its blend of beauty, strength, stability, and value, we believe Douglas fir is the best choice for most timber frame projects.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right wood is a foundational step in your timber framing journey. We hope this guide, which blends our hands-on experience in the Pacific Northwest with industry data, empowers you to make a confident and informed choice for your project.
Below is a quick spreadsheet table highlighting the relative characteristics of the species we have outlined in greater detail. Want to get an idea of which wood has the best cost-to-strength value? Or the most weather-resistant wood with a smooth texture? You'll be able to figure that out using this cheat sheet.
If you were starting a timber frame project today, what would be your top wood choice?
Douglas Fir
Oak
Cedar
Larch
