Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; narrow growth rings visible in the exposed branch stub indicating slow growth; exhibits high contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light brown with a hint of red or yellow; sapwood is yellowish-white. The visible bark is thick, corky, and deeply furrowed with a dark greyish-brown appearance.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers good resistance to rot and fungal attack but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and Christmas trees; widely used in timber framing and log home construction.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California and the Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $5.00 per board foot for select lumber; lower for construction grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be from a mature tree, likely 40-60 years old based on the thickness of the bark and the density of the growth rings in the small branch knot.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification and managed through extensive reforestation programs.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; can experience tearout during planing if tools are not sharp; glues and finishes well but may require a sealer to prevent uneven staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane to highlight the natural grain contrast; sanding sealer is recommended before staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the thick, corky, 'bacon-layered' texture of the bark combined with the distinct ring density of the branch cross-section is characteristic of Pseudotsuga menziesii.