Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America and Pacific Northwest
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings visible on the end grain, flat-sawn face grain showing cathedral patterns.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish-brown transitioning to a lighter yellowish-brown sapwood. Moderate natural luster with a warm tone that darkens slightly upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled, likely less than 5 to 10 years old based on clean surfaces and minimal oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely available and often plantation-grown.
Common Uses
Construction, framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber framing, doors, and window sashes.
Geographic Origin
Western North America and Pacific Northwest
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the pronounced contrast in hardness between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a sanding sealer may be beneficial to prevent blotchiness on the softer earlywood rings. Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils all perform well.
Notable Features
Known for having a high strength-to-weight ratio, distinctive spicy or resinous scent when freshly cut, and pronounced grain contrast.
