Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Sep 04, 2008 06:28am | #1

     CVG Fir has been used for many a built in and kitchen for many years .

             Cedar , Pine , Alder , Poplar are all similarly softish .

                CVG Fir has properties all of it's own , nasty splinters but true old growth is stunning .

                            dusty , from the land of CVG Fir

2. 
   [email protected] | Sep 04, 2008 07:00am | #2

   It is hard enough, if you are willing to accept that it will ding a little more than soft maple if hit. 

   Realistically, how often do you expect it to get hit?

   You also need to accept that it is more prone to splitting along the grain, and design accordingly. 

3. 
   BrianDerr | Sep 04, 2008 09:01am | #3

   don't sand CVG fir by hand! always use a sanding block!

   Brian

1. 
   jimbell | Sep 04, 2008 09:12am | #4

   Thanks, Brian, I've been careful the last three years doing a lot of work with VG Doug-fir. But I've also come to realize that no matter how much I love the look, it is a pretty soft wood. Well, scientifically, it is pretty strong on 2 of the 3 standard tests, but on impact or denting test it is poor, and that is the one I worry about on kitchen cabinets. Yes, as one poster said, fir has been used for over a hundred years for cabinets. But, it was generally slathered with heavy coats of white enamal paint.

   (Maybe you know this, but what i've found is that the keys to getting a good surface on VG Doug-fir through the planer are a) very sharp, almost brand new blades, and b) excellent chip extraction. Then there is not too much sanding needed.)

   Cheers,

   JIMBELL

1. 
   oldusty | Sep 04, 2008 05:15pm | #5

   JIMBELL ,

          I have worked in quite a few local Craftsman style and era buildings and when they used CVG usually it was stained a darkish color , often time secondary woods or the lesser grades were used for the paint grade parts. I think painting the CVG came when it was time to refinish .

      The veneer is spendy but very consistent and beautiful .Some of the very high end works in the PNW are still to this day CVG Fir .

     I built a CVG mantle about 6 months ago out of full 6/4 old growth and finished it to match the 100 year old floor .

         Thank goodness for Shellac and Frenchy

                  dusty

1. 
   jimbell | Sep 04, 2008 06:46pm | #6

   Dusty,

   OK, vertical grain Douglas-fir, using a face-frame construction with inset drawers and doors . . . and I'm wondering what finish should I use?

   I want a rich look, a golden-brown honey look. I achieved this a couple years ago on VG Doug-fir in a bathroom using Mohawk's Brushing Varnish, which they no longer produce.

   I want protection for the rather soft wood in a busy kitchen. I am trying test pieces with Waterlox Original. Although it has the warm colour, it seems to take forever to build into a protective finish (it has that "in the grain" finish).

   What would you recommend?

   JIMBELL

1. 
   oldusty | Sep 04, 2008 11:33pm | #7

   It is interesting when you stain this Fir it takes the color so different then other woods , there is Red and Yellow and Oranges that come out in the Fir .

    Sounds like you are after a medium light tone of Brown not quite Medium Walnut .Take a sample close to the paint store have them mix stain for you .

     Sherwin Williams has products similar to a conversion Varnish that is easy to brush on , I would brush or spray clear coats over the desired stain.

           good  luck              dusty

2. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 05, 2008 04:22am | #8

   don't sand CVG fir by hand! always use a sanding block!

   Right On! I did not think of that to post as a caution.