From the Mill

Timber Industry Insights

Field-tested knowledge from our Arlington, WA operation. Articles on Douglas Fir, timber framing, pricing, and the trade.

All Posts Douglas Fir Industry Insights Pricing Guides Project Spotlights Timber Frame

Solid-Sawn Coastal Douglas Fir: Twist, Splits, and Checks

Twist and splits are grading problems, not species traits. How No.1 grade prevents twist and why seasoning checks don't reduce design capacity.

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Why Large Timbers Are Not Kiln-Dried

The physics of drying wood, why kilns damage oversized timbers, and what seasoning in place actually looks like for Douglas Fir 10×10 and larger.

8 min read

Douglas Fir timbers stacked at the Washington Timber Company mill yard in Arlington, WA

pricing guides·June 3, 2026

Douglas Fir Timber Prices 2026: $4.60 Per Board Foot

Mill direct Douglas Fir timber pricing for 2026. $4.60 per board foot under 4,000 BF and $3.60 at 4,000 BF and up, plus size, length and grade surcharges.

6 min read

Western Red Cedar siding boards at Washington Timber Company mill yard

douglas fir·June 3, 2026

Douglas Fir vs Western Red Cedar: Rot Resistance & Cost

Douglas Fir is not naturally rot resistant. Western Red Cedar is. Compare decay resistance, strength, cost per board foot and the best uses for each species.

5 min read

Aerial view of timber-framed equestrian arena with Cascade mountains backdrop

project spotlights·June 3, 2026

Building an Equestrian Arena: Timber Specs and What to Budget

Planning a covered equestrian arena? Here's what timber you'll need, common sizes for different arena footprints, budget ranges, and how to plan your build.

5 min read

Log truck delivering Douglas Fir logs to Washington Timber Company mill

pricing guides·June 3, 2026

How to Order Custom Heavy Timber: A Step-by-Step Guide

The full process for ordering custom Douglas Fir timbers, from spec to delivery. What to send, what to expect, and the common mistakes that delay projects.

6 min read

Loading a massive Douglas Fir log at Washington Timber Company mill in Arlington, WA

project spotlights·June 3, 2026

Inside Our Arlington Mill: How We Cut Oversized Douglas Fir

Washington Timber Company has milled Douglas Fir in Arlington, WA since 1977. A look at how we operate, what we cut, and why oversized timber is our specialty.

6 min read

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