Douglas Fir (Rough-Sawn Lumber)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western Coast of North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain regions)
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly to Moderately Durable; moderate resistance to rot, though vulnerable to insect attack if untreated
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy growth rings visible through rough circular saw marks, medium to coarse texture
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to pinkish-yellow tone with darker brownish latewood bands; weathered light grayish cast on the rough surface
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly to Moderately Durable; moderate resistance to rot, though vulnerable to insect attack if untreated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot depending on grade and dimensions
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently sawn to moderately aged rough dimensional lumber (under 5 years old based on fresh rough-sawn grain texture and minimal dark oxidation)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List), widely available with FSC certification, extensively managed in sustainable forestry plantations
Common Uses
Structural framing, joists, beams, subflooring, exterior siding, plywood manufacture, heavy timber construction
Geographic Origin
Western Coast of North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain regions)
Workability
Works relatively well with hand and power tools, though abrupt change between soft earlywood and hard latewood rings can cause tearout or blade deflection when routing or planing
Finish Recommendations
Sanding required to remove saw marks; seals well with penetrating exterior oils, film-forming paints, or polyurethane after surface prep
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous smell when cut; prominent growth rings created by distinct latewood bands; high strength-to-weight ratio for structural softwood
