Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, prominent growth rings with a distinct contrast between light-colored earlywood and dark reddish-brown latewood. Generally straight-grained with high density of rings in old-growth timber.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellow to white. This sample shows significant external graying (weathered patina/oxidation) with honey-gold internal rings exposed at the cut ends.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers good resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack if not treated.
Common Uses
Utility poles, heavy construction, structural beams, flooring, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Depending on quality and reclaiming costs, $2.00 to $5.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
The logs appear to be reclaimed utility poles or structural pilings with substantial exterior weathering (silver-gray patina); the wood itself was likely harvested from 50-80 year old trees, and the logs have likely been exposed for 15-30 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though latewood can be hard and may cause some tearout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when freshly cut. These logs show typical radial checking (cracking) from the pith toward the bark, characteristic of air-dried round timber.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or exterior sealers if used outdoors; polyurethane or lacquer if used for interior furniture to highlight high-contrast grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish latewood rings, the presence of utility hardware (insulators) in the background, and the specific checking pattern is diagnostic for Douglas Fir utility poles.