Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a prominent, uneven grain pattern. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with wide latewood bands contributing to a characteristic abrupt transition between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light yellowish-tan to a reddish-brown. Sapwood is typically a narrow band of yellowish-white. This sample shows significant darkening due to weathering and age, presenting a deep, grey-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in ground contact.
Common Uses
Structural framing, exterior trim, flooring, boat building, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain commands higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Old-growth or mature second-growth, estimated at 50-80 years based on ring density and deep oxidation/weathering patterns visible on the exposed surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the hardness difference between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding and tearing if blades are dull.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, pitchy scent when freshly cut. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood species.
Finish Recommendations
Resin-sealing primer is recommended for exterior paint applications; takes clear coats well, though sanding sealer helps even out the absorption between grain bands.
Identification Confidence
Medium; based on the prominent latewood bands, reddish hues, and typical use in architectural joinery/trim seen in the photographic context.