Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain with visible knots. Flat-sawn surface shows wide, wavy growth ring patterns with distinct light/dark transitions between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown with a yellowish-orange hue. Sapwood is narrow and pale white-yellow. Deepens to a more pronounced reddish-orange with light exposure and aging.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, framing, flooring, plywood, veneer, and rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs, depending on local availability and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or reclaimed recently; the surface shows minimal graying/oxidation, though some surface checking and dirt suggest it has been stored outdoors for 6-12 months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout. Glues and finishes well, but requires a sealer/conditioner for even staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. High strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods. Sap can be sticky and may gum up sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness between the varying density rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the color, growth ring contrast, presence of large sound knots, and live-edge profile are classic indicators of a Douglas Fir slab.