Planed Douglas fir post
Untreated planed solid Douglas fir post — sections 70x70mm, 90x90mm, 110x110mm and 140x140mm. Lengths 200cm and 240cm. Class 3. Pergola, carport, shelter. Air dried. Sold individually. Outdoor use away from ground contact.
Planed Douglas Fir Post – Sections 70x70mm to 140x140mm, Lengths 200cm and 240cm
This planed solid Douglas fir post is a square-section piece intended for load-bearing structures: pergola, carport, garden shelter, fencing, raised terrace. Available in 4 sections — 70x70mm, 90x90mm, 110x110mm, 140x140mm — and in two lengths: 200cm and 240cm. The piece is delivered untreated, ready to be protected according to its use and exposure.
The planed Douglas fir post is machined on all 4 faces — smooth surfaces and sharp edges, precise dimensions. Air drying, a natural method, preserves the mechanical characteristics of the wood and avoids internal stresses that can cause excessive cracking. These posts are suitable for exposed outdoor structures: pergola, carport, raised terrace.
Main features
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Solid Douglas fir |
| Finish | Planed — untreated |
| Available sections | 70x70mm, 90x90mm, 110x110mm, 140x140mm |
| Available lengths | 200cm and 240cm |
| Use class | Class 3 — natural resistance, outdoor use away from direct soil contact |
| Treatment | Untreated — to be protected depending on exposure |
| Drying | Air dried — natural method |
| Cut | Sold individually |
Key points
- ✓ 4 sections available — 70x70mm, 90x90mm, 110x110mm, 140x140mm
- ✓ 2 lengths — 200cm and 240cm, cutting possible on site
- ✓ Planed solid Douglas fir — class 3 — natural resistance, outdoor use away from direct soil contact
- ✓ Air dried — natural method preserving the characteristics of the wood
- ✓ Untreated — to be protected depending on use and exposure
- ✓ Sold individually
Which section to choose?
The choice of section depends on the height of the post, the load to be supported and the spacing between posts:
- ✓ 70x70mm — small light structures, single-pitch carports, fencing
- ✓ 90x90mm — standard pergola, garden shelter, terrace up to 3m span
- ✓ 110x110mm — heavy timber framing, portal frames, significant load-bearing structures
For structures subject to significant loads (snow, wind, spans> 4m), consult a structural timber engineer or carpenter for precise sizing.
Installation advice
Never bury an untreated post directly in the ground — even class 3 Douglas fir deteriorates rapidly in contact with damp soil. For buried posts, use stainless steel fixing plates anchored in concrete, or opt for class 4 treated timber (pressure-treated). For posts set on a slab, use adjustable galvanised steel or stainless steel post bases. Apply a protective finish to all faces before installation, paying particular attention to cut ends.
Maintenance and protection
Apply a saturator or exterior wood oil to all faces before installation, paying particular attention to cut ends. Renew every 2-3 years. Douglas fir naturally turns grey without protection but retains its mechanical properties. Never bury directly — use stainless steel fixing plates.
WoodUp Tip
For a pergola with a planed Douglas fir post 90x90mm at 240cm height, anchor in adjustable stainless steel post bases rather than directly in concrete — this allows you to correct the plumb without additional masonry work. For further guidance on sizing, consult the timber framing guide.
Important before purchasing: Air drying may leave slight shrinkage cracks on large sections — this is normal and natural. These cracks do not affect the strength or durability of the post.
Frequently asked questions
Which post section for a pergola?
For a standard residential pergola (3-4m span, light roofing), the 90x90mm section is generally sufficient for a height of 240cm. For a pergola with a planted or heavily loaded roof, or spans> 4m, choose a larger section. If in doubt, consult a carpenter or structural engineer.
Can this post be buried directly in the ground?
No. An untreated post must not be placed in direct contact with damp soil — even class 3 Douglas fir deteriorates in ground contact (class 4 required). Use a fixing plate anchored in concrete, or order class 4 pressure-treated timber for buried posts.
Does this post need to be treated before use?
Untreated Douglas fir naturally resists outdoors away from soil contact (class 3). To slow down greying, apply a saturator or exterior wood oil before installation. Renew every 2-3 years.
What is the difference between a rough post and a planed post?
The rough post retains the natural sawn appearance with slightly irregular faces and nominal dimensions (e.g. 100x100mm). The planed post is machined on all 4 faces to achieve smooth surfaces and precise dimensions, slightly smaller than nominal. For exposed structures, the planed post offers a more refined finish. For hidden or embedded structures, the rough post is equivalent.
Can these posts be painted or stained?
Yes. Lightly sand the faces (grit 80-120) before application. For exterior paint, apply a primer specially formulated for resinous wood. For stain or oil, apply directly onto dry wood. Planed posts offer better adhesion for finishing products.
Complementary products
Rough Douglas fir post — same species, natural sawn appearance
Rough Douglas fir rafter — same species, rafter format
Dispatch within 10 days when the product is in stock *.
* Except bespoke products
Dispatched within 6-8 weeks for personalised and made-to-measure products.
Payment in 1 or 3 instalments at no extra cost. Bank transfer, cheque or PayPal
Satisfied or refunded if returned within 14 calendar days (Sundays and public holidays included) following delivery.





