Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to rot
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with distinct growth rings displaying a combination of quarter-sawn and flat-sawn cathedral patterns
Color & Appearance
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a lighter yellowish-sapwood, darkening significantly to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to rot
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years based on surface oxidation and dry dust accumulation
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available through commercial forestry and certified sustainable plantations
Common Uses
Structural framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, and window frames
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though high contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause uneven planing or sanding
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness on the unevenly porous growth rings; compatible with polyurethane, varnishes, and penetrating oils
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, pronounced contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, characteristic resin pockets
