Alternative and Acceptable Solutions
For people who wish to maintain a more natural environment in their home and avoid the application of any unnecessary chemicals, Douglas-fir offers an attractive option. We strive to create and maintain environmentally-sound building solutions and use treated timber only when it adds sensible protection for high risk design features.
Douglas-fir is therefore available in two varieties -untreated 'chemical-free' and boron treated to H1.2 standard. Untreated timber is suitable for a number of building elements and applications. The treated option allows Douglas-fir to be used in higher risk building elements as well. These building solutions mean that you can use the most appropriate timber treatment across a range of building components.
See Testimonials and Technical Downloads for details including endorsements from architects and builders, as well as approval requirements. The authorities that accept our Alternative Solution criteria are listed in Alternative Solution Technical Analysis.
Untreated
The Douglas-fir Association has developed a building solution that is regarded as offering a weathertight and 'chemical free' design option. The natural resilience against a number of environmental elements means that the Douglas-fir Alternative Solution may be used across a range of applications.
Treated
Douglas-fir timber is available treated to H1.2 standard for use in building elements where there is a higher risk of moisture entering the building envelope. Coupled with a natural ability to resist moisture and decay, treated Douglas-fir provides extra resistance for these areas.