Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and plain, with occasional wavy or spiral patterns; visibly coarse texture with prominent latewood bands forming vertical stripes.
Color Description
Light reddish-tan to brownish heartwood with a yellowish-white sapwood. Shows high contrast between earlywood and latewood. Darkens to a more pronounced orange/red with age and sunlight.
Hardness Rating
620 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Moderately resistant to preservative treatment.
Common Uses
Veneer, plywood, structural timbers, flooring, window and door frames, and heavy construction framing.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (Vertical Grain/Clear)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (likely 1-5 years since processing); showing light surface oxidation and a rough-sawn/unfinished texture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Generally works well with machine tools, though it can exhibit splintering and tear-out. Glues and finishes well, but requires a sealer/conditioner due to uneven absorption in grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; very high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; prominent contrast between growth rings.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a wood conditioner if staining to prevent splotchiness; finishes well with lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane once sealed.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct reddish-brown growth rings (latewood) against the lighter wood, combined with the fibrous texture and structural look, are characteristic of Douglas Fir.