Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, prominent flat-sawn cathedral patterns with distinct transitions between earlywood and latewood; generally straight but can be wavy around knots.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a distinct yellowish/white sapwood. Characterized by high contrast between the lighter earlywood and the darker, denser latewood rings. Darkens to a more orange-red patina over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay and rot but susceptible to insect attack if untreated.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, trim, cabinetry, veneer, boat building, and plywood manufacturing.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, and widely planted in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain prices are significantly higher).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, kiln-dried lumber, likely less than 5-10 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable due to fast growth and extensive managed forests.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though the hardness difference between earlywood and latewood can cause 'washboarding' or uneven sanding. Holds nails and screws well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well. A sanding sealer is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness due to the varying density of the growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent, wide growth rings with stark color contrast and the specific 'wild' grain pattern are classic diagnostic features of flat-sawn Douglas Fir.