Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, flat-sawn with a distinct cathedral figure around the knot area. Shows a abrupt transition from earlywood to latewood giving it a prominent striped look.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrow band of yellowish-white sapwood. Darkens significantly with age and light exposure to a more pronounced orange or deep red-brown.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot/decay and insects but less than cedar or redwood.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, flooring, plywood veneer, window frames, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 to $5.00 per board foot (construction grade vs. select structural)
Wood Age Estimate
The board shows signs of modern milling (circular saw marks) and recent oxidation, likely cut within the last 5-15 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common due to sustainable forestry practices.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though latewood can be hard and may cause earlywood to compress during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked. High strength-to-weight ratio makes it the industry standard for structural lumber.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane. Note: High resin content may require a sealer like shellac to prevent 'bleeding' through the finish over time.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood, the shape of the cathedral grain around the knot, and the orange-red hue are diagnostic for Douglas Fir.