Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn grain with distinct, alternating light and dark bands of earlywood and latewood; characteristic uneven texture and visible growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown to orange-tan; sapwood is yellowish-white. The exposed patches show a distinct orange hue characteristic of aged coniferous resin darkening over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy timbers, exterior siding, framing, plywood, and general millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest) and widely planted in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
3.00 USD to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain commands a premium).
Wood Age Estimate
50 to 90 years; the width of the planks, the deep oxidation visible in the worn areas, and the multiple layers of old paint suggest early-to-mid 20th-century flooring.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout on the latewood bands; glues and finishes reasonably well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can lead to bleed-through on finishes if not sealed.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or polyurethane flooring finishes are best; requires sanding to remove old paint and a sanding sealer to prevent uneven staining.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the growth ring structure and reddish-orange oxidation under the green paint are classic indicators of Douglas Fir or Larch, typical for northern architectural flooring.