Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, from British Columbia down through the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and moderate insect resistance
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with prominent flat-sawn cathedral patterns displaying stark contrast between earlywood and latewood rings
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to orange-brown heartwood with a narrower yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, and darkens to a deep reddish-brown upon prolonged exposure to light and air
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and moderate insect resistance
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard construction or select grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated between 5 to 20 years old based on surface wear, handling marks, and moderate oxidation of the exposed face
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available through sustainably managed tree farms and FSC certification
Common Uses
Construction and framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, and window frames
Geographic Origin
Western North America, from British Columbia down through the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the stark density difference between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not extremely sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a pre-stain conditioner is often recommended to prevent blotchiness due to uneven absorption between earlywood and latewood; polyurethane, varnish, and exterior oils perform very well
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct resin canals, characteristic splintering when stressed, and a mild, pleasant resiny scent when freshly cut
