Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable with fair natural resistance to rot and weathering
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced flat-sawn cathedral grain pattern with significant contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with yellowish sapwood, featuring darkened weathered areas and aged patina with moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable with fair natural resistance to rot and weathering
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and dimensions
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 30 to 50 years old based on surface wear patterns, oxidation, and aged patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, generally considered of least concern by IUCN, widely available with sustainable forestry certification (FSC)
Common Uses
Construction framing, structural plywood, flooring, doors, beams, and boat building
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well; polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils are recommended to highlight the distinct grain pattern
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct contrasting growth rings, and characteristic resin canals
