Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Very straight, tight vertical grain with a prominent transition between earlywood and latewood; characteristic rift-sawn appearance with narrow growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown to orange-tan with darker, distinct growth rings; sapwood is yellowish-white. It tends to darken or redden with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. It performs well in outdoor structural applications if treated.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy timber construction, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, window frames, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades command higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely harvested from a relatively mature tree but shows recent milling indicators (mid-to-late 20th century or newer).
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and frequently FSC-certified; a staple of sustainable forestry in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the hard latewood layers can cause some unevenness in sanding and it is prone to splintering.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet balsamic scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; good nail and screw-holding capabilities.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. An oil-based polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to enhance the grain contrast; penetrating oils are also effective.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive vertical growth ring spacing, warm orange-red hue, and lack of visible resin canals typical of pines strongly indicate Douglas Fir.