Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
At Canada Rig Mats we strongly recommend that our customers use Douglas-fir decking in their rig mats. Because of Douglas-fir's superior structural characteristics, rig mats built with this type of decking are stronger and longer lasting, which gives our customer's more value for their dollar.
Strength Properties
Douglas-fir has the highest ratings of any Western softwood for extreme fiber stress in bending (Fb); for tension parallel-to-grain (Ft); for horizontal sheer (Fv); for compression perpendicular-to-grain (Fc); and for compression parallel-to-grain (Fc//).
All Graph Measurements are in PSI
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Other Unique Properties
Douglas-fir is also very resistant to abrasion which is ideal for rig matting as heavy equipment is hard on the decking. Douglas-fir is also less susceptible to checking compared to other coniferous woods. Other unique properties include its resilience to water and rot and resistance to fungal and insect infestation.
Source: U.S. Forest Products Laboratory
Strong • Safe • Durable • Reliable • Quality