Douglas Fir: A Material with Soul

At Flexhouse, we believe material decisions shape more than just the object — they shape the brand, the experience, and even the future. That’s why we’ve been diving deep into new species with premium potential. One material rising quickly on our radar? Douglas Fir.

Why Douglas Fir?

Locally sourced in Poland, Douglas Fir offers a distinctive balance: visually rich, yet economically efficient. It blends warm tones with expressive grains — from calm flat stripes to organic, wild sidegrain patterns.

What makes it stand out?

• Expressive visuals: Its striped or flader grain options open aesthetic opportunities.
• Lightweight yet stable: Ideal for modern interiors and larger forms.
• Soft-to-hard grain contrast: Adds subtle tactility to finished surfaces.
• Visual energy in 3D forms: Especially visible on milled surfaces like turned parts.

Real Costs, Real Projects

In our latest comparative build of the design sidetable, we tested Douglas Fir against five other species used in premium furniture. The results show why this species deserves attention:

Conclusion? Douglas Fir places itself in the third-lowest price tier, while delivering far more expressive value than simple dark-stained ash or red oak. Against white oak, it represents nearly a 50% material savings.

From Studio to Prototype: What Designers Should Know

We recently reviewed two prototypes — in Ash and Douglas Fir — with our US partner. The takeaway?

• Surface character: Due to alternating soft/hard grain, sanded areas retain a slightly undulating feel. Not a flaw — a feature.
• Cross-section behavior: Milling reveals bold sidegrain visuals — pinks, whites, bold pore structures. Great for storytelling.

“This is not a defect but a natural property of the material — it’s worth seeing and touching in person,” we told our partners.

We even tested pigmented finishes (5% white lacquer) to gently mute contrasts — great for cohesive families.

Inspiration from the Industry

John Pawson × Dinesen: Designers exploring Douglas Fir as a central character, not a background choice. Their minimalist, emotional application shows how this wood becomes part of the architecture.

Explore more here:
Douglas Fir Design Story – Ferm Living

Final Thoughts

At Flexhouse, we’re not just selling materials. We’re building bridges between production, design, and value. Douglas Fir may not be the obvious first choice — but it might just be your smartest one.

If you're developing a new product family or looking for cost-effective alternatives with soul, let's build something in Douglas.

For more information or access to prototypes, finish samples, or production insights – feel free to get in touch with the Flexhouse team.