Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, flat-sawn displaying prominent cathedral patterns and distinct transition between earlywood and latewood. Coarse texture with visible growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown to orange-brown with distinct growth rings. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The color typically darkens and reddens when exposed to light over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack (termites).
Common Uses
Construction framing, heavy timbers, flooring, veneers, plywood, cabinet work, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely naturalized in parts of Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades command higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber, likely recently milled (within 1-5 years) based on the fresh reddish hue, absence of significant graying/oxidation, and modern rough-cut milling marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and certified by FSC or SFI standard sustainable forestry practices.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can exhibit tearout during surfacing. Responds well to glues and finishes, but can be prone to splintering.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet odor when worked; very high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can cause pitch pockets and 'gum' up saw blades.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane work well. Due to uneven absorption between earlywood and latewood, a wood conditioner or sanding sealer is recommended before staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-orange heartwood color, sharp contrast in growth rings (cathedral grain), and visible fiber splintering (fuzzy grain) are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.