Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy with a coarse texture; rift-sawn/vertical grain orientation visible in the sample showing prominent, distinct latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown to orange-brown with distinct dark growth rings; sapwood is yellowish-white. It tends to darken or redden over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack and can be prone to rot if left in direct contact with wet ground.
Common Uses
Residential construction, heavy timber framing, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily from the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain clear stock is much higher than construction grade).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears mid-aged (approx. 10-30 years post-harvest) based on the surface oxidation, oxidation stains, and the depth of the orange-brown patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested, frequently FSC certified; sustainable due to massive reforestation efforts in the PNW.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can split easily during nailing or screwing. The sharp contrast between soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause 'washboarding' when sanding.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, resinous, and sweet scent when cut; has a high strength-to-weight ratio; susceptible to pitch pockets.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains reasonably well but can be blotchy; a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are ideal for highlighting grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands, reddish-orange heartwood color, and coarse texture are quintessential diagnostic features of Pseudotsuga menziesii.