Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight and plain, but becomes distinctively 'wavy' or 'cathedral' when flat-sawn; high contrast between earlywood and latewood rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a signature reddish-orange hue; sapwood is a paler yellowish-white. Tends to darken and become deeper orange-red with UV exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Stronger and stiffer than most softwoods.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, dimensional framing lumber, flooring, windows/doors, cabinetry, and exterior veneer.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest region from British Columbia to California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades command higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested log; likely between 40 to 60 years old based on bark thickness and diameter.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests (FSC available).
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools; can experience tearout during planing. Sharp blades are required to prevent crushing the soft earlywood.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet balsamic scent when cut. Known for the highest strength-to-weight ratio among world softwoods. Bark is thick and cork-like.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, but a sanding sealer or wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness. Penetrating oils bring out the orange tones nicely.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive deeply furrowed, corky bark, reddish heartwood visible at the break, and the background environment of Pacific Northwest conifers are diagnostic for this species.