Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, distinct growth rings with a sharp transition from light-colored earlywood to dark-colored latewood. The grain is primarily straight but shows characteristic undulating expansion in the end-grain cookies shown.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light brown with a hint of red or yellow; sapwood is a paler cream color. Dark latewood bands provide high contrast. Subject to darkening and reddening with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood.
Common Uses
Structural timber, heavy construction, plywood, veneer, millwork, flooring, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $2.00 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and vertical grain vs. flat sawn quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible growth rings on this section suggest a tree age of approximately 45-60 years based on ring count density in the limb or small trunk section shown.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can exhibit tearout during planing if tools are not sharp. Glues and finishes well, but the high resin content can occasionally cause issues with paint.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. Known for the widest distribution of growth rings in young trees that tighten significantly as the tree matures.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer. If staining, a pre-stain conditioner is recommended due to the uneven absorption between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood, the reddish-brown tint of the growth rings, and the lack of visible resin canals typical of Pines point clearly to Douglas Fir.