Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture. Visible flat-sawn cathedral patterns are typical for this cut, which often exhibits a distinct difference in density between earlywood and latewood (prominent growth rings).
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown to orange-brown. The sapwood is a yellowish-white. It tends to darken or redden over time when exposed to UV light, gaining a more pronounced orange hue.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in ground contact.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, construction/framing, flooring, window frames, veneers, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/VG is higher value).
Wood Age Estimate
New stock; the sample shows fresh mill marks from a circular or band saw and lacks the deep oxidation or graying associated with aged or reclaimed material.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and frequently FSC certified as it is a major plantation-grown species.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the high contrast between hard latewood and soft earlywood can cause uneven sanding and tearout when planing. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked. High strength-to-weight ratio makes it the standard for structural applications in North America.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes work excellent for protecting its structural integrity.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-orange hue combined with the specific coarse texture and prominent earlywood/latewood bands visible on the rough-sawn edge are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.