Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face; coarse texture with prominent latewood bands
Color & Appearance
Light brown to yellowish-white sapwood with heartwood that is typically light reddish-brown; exhibits high contrast between earlywood and latewood rings
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $0.60 - $0.90 per board foot (standard construction grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled (0-1 year); shows fresh mill grade stamps (KD-HT), crisp edges, and minimal UV oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; FSC certified options common
Common Uses
Residential construction (studs, joists, rafters), heavy timbers, plywood, and utility poles
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, can splinter easily and the difference in density between earlywood and latewood can cause 'washboarding' during sanding
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or solid stains in construction; if used for furniture, a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; contains grade stamps indicating kiln-dried (KD) and heat-treated (HT) status
