Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a pronounced flat-sawn cathedral pattern and strong contrast between earlywood and latewood rings
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to pinkish heartwood with a lighter yellowish-white sapwood, darkening to a deeper reddish-brown upon exposure to light and air
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent stock, less than 5 years old based on bright coloration and minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available through sustainably managed forests and plantations
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, and window sashes
Geographic Origin
Western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can sometimes cause splintering or uneven planing if tools are not sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to ensure even absorption on the soft earlywood and dense latewood; compatible with polyurethane, varnish, and oils
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent when freshly cut, high strength-to-weight ratio, and prominent growth ring patterns
