Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and Western North America
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to rot and weathering relative to other softwoods
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced flat-sawn cathedral pattern and several small knots
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to pinkish heartwood with a lighter yellowish sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster that darkens to a deeper reddish-brown upon UV light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to rot and weathering relative to other softwoods
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and clear wood content
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent milled lumber, estimated between 1 to 5 years old based on fresh surface oxidation and clean cut edges
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed through tree farms and certified forests (FSC)
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, windows, and boat building
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and Western North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the pronounced difference in hardness between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if tools are not sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, or penetrating oils are typically recommended to highlight the rich grain contrast and warm reddish tones
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct contrasting growth rings, and a pleasant, mild resinuous scent when freshly cut
