Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or slightly wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture; this sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern toward the top with significant surface fiber tearing from rough milling.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while sapwood is a yellowish-white. It darkens and reddens significantly over time when exposed to UV light, developing a distinctly orange/patina hue.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, glue-laminated beams (glulams), flooring, paneling, trim, veneers, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest, extending from British Columbia down to California and into the Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $2.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain vs. Flat Sawn) and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern kiln-dried construction or finish-grade lumber; based on the milling marks and light oxidation, likely cut within the last 2-5 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and generally considered a highly sustainable, well-managed domestic resource.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and 'shelling' of the latewood. Responds well to glues and stains, though it can be blotchy without a sealer.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when freshly cut. Noted for its exceptional stiffness and strength compared to other softwoods. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals due to its resin content.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with clear penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the grain. Due to uneven density between earlywood and latewood, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended if applying dark pigments.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-orange hue combined with the distinct growth ring transition and the specific way the fibers have torn during rough-sawn milling are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.