Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, with distinct and prominent growth rings; flat-sawn appearance with rough-sawn circular saw marks visible on the surface.
Color Description
Varies from creamy yellow to light reddish-brown; sapwood is lighter. Tends to darken and become more orange/red with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack if untreated.
Common Uses
General construction, heavy timbers, flooring, cabinetry, plywood, sash/door manufacturing, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest to British Columbia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears recently milled or rough-cut from the last 10-20 years, exhibiting typical oxidation patterns for exterior-stored timber.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification and heavily managed in timber plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can split easily when nailing. It has a tendency to tear out during planing due to the density difference between earlywood and latewood.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet odor when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content which can bleed through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer; requires a sealer or primer to prevent resin bleed; penetrating oils work well for a natural look.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. Identifying features include the distinct earlywood/latewood contrast, the reddish-orange hue common to Douglas Fir, and the coarse texture characteristic of construction-grade softwoods.