Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood

Coarse, straight grain with prominent, dark latewood bands and flat-sawn cathedral patterns; notable large checking and knots

Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown to orange; sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows significant graying/weathering and oxidation from exposure

660 lbf (Soft)

Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack if untreated

Common Uses

Structural framing, heavy timber construction, flooring, boat building, and exterior joinery

Western North America (Pacific Northwest to British Columbia)

$3.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. rustic) and reclamation status

Old-growth character based on tight growth rings; material appears to be salvaged/reclaimed with 20+ years of weathering

Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; generally considered sustainable

Works well with machines but can be brittle; prone to splintering and tearout during planing; glues and finishes decently

Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; high resin content can clog sandpaper

Requires sanding to remove grey oxidation; penetrating oils or film-forming polyurethanes work well after a grain filler or sealer

High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood, coupled with the reddish hue and checking patterns, is characteristic of Douglas Fir

Identified on 6/4/2026