Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Rotary-cut veneer with a prominent cathedral grain pattern and wavy, irregular growth rings characteristic of construction-grade plywood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown with yellowish-white sapwood; this sample shows significant darkening or staining, exhibiting muted tan to dark brown tones with visible oxidation marks.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; moderately resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Utility-grade plywood, construction framing, subflooring, sheathing, and general-purpose industrial applications.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.00 per board foot (standard lumber) or $40-$60 per 4x8 sheet (plywood)
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years; the surface shows significant oxidation, mechanical wear, deep scratches, and a buildup of patina/distress consistent with mid-20th-century utility wood.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification and heavy commercial cultivation.
Workability
Generally easy to work with but prone to splintering and tearout due to the density difference between earlywood and latewood; glues and finishes reasonably well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for having a high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods; very prone to splintering.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or film-forming polyurethanes help stabilize the surface fibers; requires sanding to remove existing oxidation before refinishing.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, varying growth rings and 'wild' grain figure are classic indicators of rotary-peeled Douglas Fir veneer used in plywood manufacture.