Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; distinctive growth rings showing a sharp transition between light earlywood and dark latewood; coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light reddish-brown to orange-yellow; sapwood is pale white to yellowish. Colors darken and become more orange/red with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, construction framing, flooring, plywood, veneer, and door/window components.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $4.00 per board foot (standard grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently harvested; limited oxidation and high resin visibility suggest the sample is less than 1 year old since felling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines, but requires sharp tools to prevent tearing of the soft earlywood. Glues and finishes well, though resin can occasionally cause issues.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can be felt on the surface.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane; a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to avoid blotchiness due to varying grain density.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent latewood bands, reddish-orange hue, and characteristic splintering pattern are hallmarks of Douglas Fir.