Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; distinctly prominent latewood bands create a high-contrast striped appearance on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a yellowish-tan to light reddish-brown. Sapwood is a lighter creamy white. The wood darkens and reddens significantly with age and UV exposure, resulting in a deep orange-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. It is highly valued for structural stability.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, flooring, cabinetry, plywood, exterior millwork, boat building, and utility poles.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and into the Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades are more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
The visible oxidation, surface checking (cracks), and worn finish suggest the sample is likely 20-40 years old, often found in mid-century or late 20th-century construction.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; common in managed timber plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though latewood bands can be very hard compared to earlywood, leading to uneven sanding or 'ridging.' It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut; known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or film-forming finishes like polyurethane. Due to its resin content, a sealer coat (shellac) may be beneficial before applying certain topcoats.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of sharp transition from earlywood to latewood, reddish-orange patina, and the specific resin-pore appearance is characteristic of Douglas Fir.