Wood Grain

[cd.love02]

I am a new stripper looking to build my first canoe. I am currently thinking about using vertical grain fir. I have found two different sources for the wood for one of the the grain is supposed to be a lot tighter and closer together. Does this really matter.

[Todd Bradshaw]

No, since you are basically just making a core for the laminate. However, the tighter grained strips will probably look better.

[SMARTINSEN]

Are you making your own strips? If so, you need to think about how you will re-saw the boards. A 4/4 nominal plank is usually planed down to 3/4". If you rip 1/4" strips off of one of those boards that has vertical grain, you will end up with flat-sawn strips. Conversely, if you rip those same 1/4" strips off a a flat-sawn board, you will end up with vertical grain strips. If you buy vertical grain lumber, you would have to make your ripping cuts transversely to achieve the same vertical grain in your strips.

Without knowing more about your intended design, I would leave it to others more knowledgeable to discuss the merits of doug fir vs cedar. Cedar is a lot lighter, if that is a consideration.

[Bob Cleek]

Take the lower ring count wood. It will likely be less expensive. Leave the higher quality high ring count VGF ("tighter") for somebody who can use it for traditional construction. It won't make any difference in your boat, since you will be covering it all up with fabric and googe.

[cd.love02]

It is possible that it would be better for me to use a different wood. But I am having a really hard time finding Cedar here in Utah besides aromatic. I have thought about using redwood for my strips but worried about how soft it is. I was not sure how well it would turn out for me. Anybody got some thoughts