Douglas Fir Timbers: Boxed Heart or Free Of Heart Center (FOHC)?

FOHC (Free of Heart Center) vs. Boxed Heart Timbers: What’s the Difference and What Does Muskoka Timber Mills Sell? 

When selecting Douglas Fir timbers, understanding the structural and stability differences between milling methods is key to ensuring your project’s success. At Muskoka Timber Mills, we offer both FOHC (Free of Heart Center) and Boxed Heart timbers to accommodate various project needs. But what sets them apart, and why does the type of timber matter? Let’s break it down.

What is FOHC (Free of Heart Center) Timber?

FOHC timbers are milled to exclude the heart center of the log, resulting in several benefits:

  • Greater Stability: Since these timbers do not contain the heartwood’s natural core, they experience less movement, reducing the likelihood of warping, twisting, or checking (cracking) over time.

  • Ideal for Precision Projects: FOHC timbers are preferred in applications where dimensional stability is critical, such as timber framing, exposed beams, fine woodworking, and high-end construction projects.

  • Long-Term Durability: Their reduced tendency to crack or split makes them an excellent choice for projects requiring long-lasting structural integrity.

  • Improved Drying: FOHC timbers dry more evenly, which minimizes internal stress and prevents excessive movement.

What is Boxed Heart Timber?

Boxed Heart timbers are milled to include the heart center of the log, making them a more economical option. Here’s what to consider:

  • More Cost-Effective: Since they include the heart center, they are often available at a lower price point while still offering strong structural properties.

  • Slightly More Prone to Movement: Due to the presence of the heartwood, boxed heart timbers may develop natural cracks and checks as they dry, but these do not necessarily compromise their strength.

  • Excellent for Many Structural Applications: While they may not be as stable as FOHC timbers, boxed heart timbers remain a reliable option for beams, posts, and other structural elements where minor checking is acceptable.

  • Can Hold More Moisture Initially: Since the heartwood retains more moisture, boxed heart timbers may take longer to dry and acclimate to their environment, which can impact performance over time.

Which Timber is Best for Your Project?

  • Use FOHC Timbers for:

    • Custom homes and architectural builds

    • Exposed beams and trusses

    • Precision timber framing

    • High-end woodworking projects

    • Any application requiring maximum stability

  • Use Boxed Heart Timbers for:

    • Outdoor structures where some movement is acceptable

    • General construction beams and posts

    • More budget-conscious projects

The Importance of Timber Grading & Quality

Beyond the cut of the timber, grading plays a critical role in its performance. At Muskoka Timber Mills, we prioritize high-quality Douglas Fir timbers and offer superior grades, such as #1 Select Structural, to ensure strength and consistency. Lower-quality grades from some suppliers may contain more defects, knots, and inconsistencies that could compromise your project’s integrity.

How Muskoka Timber Mills Stands Apart

At Muskoka Timber Mills, we always price Free of Heart Center (FOHC) timbers first because we believe in providing the highest quality materials for your projects. FOHC timbers offer superior stability, reduced checking, and long-term durability—ensuring your build stands the test of time. While we do offer both options, we always recommend evaluating your project’s needs carefully to ensure you get the best timber for the job.

When comparing prices, always check the TYPE and GRADE of timber you’re getting. Some competitors may offer lower-priced boxed heart timbers or lower-quality grades, but at Muskoka Timber Mills, we prioritize quality so you can build with confidence.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you’re still unsure which timber type is right for your project, contact us today! Our team is happy to guide you toward the best selection based on your needs, budget, and structural requirements. Build with confidence—build with Muskoka Timber Mills.