Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain regions
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects, though old-growth heartwood performs significantly better than fast-grown plantation stock
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with distinct flat-sawn cathedral patterns showing sharp contrast between earlywood and latewood rings
Color & Appearance
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrow, lighter yellowish sapwood, exhibiting a noticeable natural luster that darkens to a deeper amber or reddish patina over decades of light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects, though old-growth heartwood performs significantly better than fast-grown plantation stock
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 7.00 USD per board foot for reclaimed or vertical-grain flooring grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 80 to 120+ years old based on the tight growth rings, deep rich patina, and wear patterns typical of historic antique building materials
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and sustainable, widely managed in plantations, not CITES listed, and frequently salvaged as reclaimed lumber from older structures
Common Uses
Flooring, structural framing, plywood, heavy timber construction, doors, window frames, and boats
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the pronounced difference in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not kept sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethanes very well; conditioning may be helpful on flat-sawn surfaces to achieve an even stain acceptance across contrasting earlywood and latewood bands
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent dimensional stability, pronounced resin canals, and a characteristic fresh scent when freshly cut
