Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with a prominent transition between earlywood and latewood; exhibits flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some wavy figure where the rough-sawn surface meets the growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light yellowish-orange to a deep reddish-brown depending on age and region. Sapwood is typically narrow and yellowish-white. It darkens significantly with age and UV exposure to a rich orange-red.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers decent resistance to decay and rot but is susceptible to insect attack (beetles/termites).
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy timbers, flooring, cabinetry, exterior trim, boat building, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Variable: $2.00 to $4.50 per board foot for structural grades, significantly higher for 'Vertical Grain' (VG) clear grades.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber (within a few years of harvest/processing) showing minimal oxidation and typical rough-sawn mill marks from a construction context.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; commonly FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines, though the hard latewood bands can cause uneven sanding and 'raised grain.' It glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires care to avoid splits when nailing near edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut or sanded; high strength-to-weight ratio; characteristic 'cathedral' figure when flat-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane for protection; a wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness due to the density difference between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-orange hue, prominent latewood growth rings, specific rough-sawn texture, and context alongside construction framing strongly indicate Douglas Fir.