Douglas Fir (Reclaimed)
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, prominent growth rings with a straight grain and cathedral figure visible in the centers. Distinct transition between earlywood and latewood creates a high-contrast striped appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically yellowish to reddish-brown; the sample shows a significant silver-gray weathered patina with remnants of the original warm orange-brown hue in the center. Low luster due to oxidation.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood shows decent resistance to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in soil contact.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, flooring, cabinetry, rustic furniture, exterior siding, and structural beams.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily from the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $9.00 per board foot for reclaimed or vertical grain stock.
Wood Age Estimate
20 to 50 years based on the deep oxidation, silver-grey weathering (patina), and visible surface checking indicating long-term exposure to UV and moisture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests or salvaged from older structures. FSC certified options are common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the variance in density between the soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause 'washboarding' if sanded unevenly.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when freshly cut. High strength-to-weight ratio making it a preferred structural softwood. Known for producing large, clear timbers.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethanes work well. For weather-worn samples, a light sanding followed by a wood sealer or 'brightener' can restore warmer tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands, characteristic orange-red heartwood tones emerging through the gray patina, and the specific cathedral grain spacing are diagnostic of Douglas Fir.