Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible latewood bands creating a distinct feathered or cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a pale yellow-white sapwood; tends to darken to a deeper orange-red or yellowish-brown over time with UV exposure
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; moderately resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, construction framing, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and boat building
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot for select grades
Wood Age Estimate
Recently processed rough-cut lumber (likely less than 1-2 years old) based on minimal oxidation and fresh splintering
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; considered highly sustainable due to vast managed forests
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout; glues and finishes well but may require a sealer for even staining
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut; highest strength-to-weight ratio of any softwood; can contain high resin content
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane; a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to avoid blotchiness
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish hue, prominent growth rings, texture of the splintered edges, and common utility appearance are classic indicators of Douglas Fir