The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts original 1946-50 bigbolt bed wood

Jay,

The 1930's-50's were the heyday period of old growth logging in the douglas fir region of the Pacific Northwest. The lumber was often straight grained and knot free as the trees were gigantic and super tall (up to 347 feet tall was the legend). Douglas fir was widely used in house construction in the post ww2 era. The species is not known for its decay resistance, and in general old growth lumber of most species are more decay resistant than the 2nd and 3rd growth lumber that you are likely to get at a lumber yard today. Having said that, I think that Douglas fir should be okay for you in California's dry climate provided that you are not coastal. Of course if the truck stays in covered storage it should be okay in most climates. If you are only replacing a few boards, hunt for boards that have the tightest annual ring count.