Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America and the Pacific Northwest.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects compared to other softwoods.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with prominent flat-sawn cathedral patterns and distinct earlywood-to-latewood transition bands.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkening to a deeper amber or reddish-brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and insects compared to other softwoods.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent lumber, likely 1 to 5 years old based on clean, unaged surface tones and light oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; widely managed in plantations and sustainably harvested forests.
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Western North America and the Pacific Northwest.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast between soft earlywood and hard latewood can occasionally cause uneven planing or sanding if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, varnishes, and polyurethanes very well; conditioning may be required for even stain absorption on the unevenly dense growth rings.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct aromatic scent when freshly cut, and pronounced growth rings.
