Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, with distinctive and uniform growth rings consisting of pale earlywood and darker, denser reddish-brown latewood. The sample is a boxed-heart cut showing the pith at the center.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-tan; sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood displays a relatively high luster. It tends to darken or redden over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay and rot, but is susceptible to insect attack. Performs reasonably well in outdoor structural applications if treated.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, structural timber, framing, flooring, veneer, plywood, and joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot for select grades; lower for construction-grade dimensional lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The timber sample displays approximately 25-30 annual growth rings. The fresh saw marks and lack of seasoning patina suggest the cut itself is relatively recent (less than 1 year).
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification and widely managed in sustainable plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can show a tendency to split when nailed near ends. The contrast between soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause unevenness during sanding or staining.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, resinous, and sweet scent when worked. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood and is known for its high stiffness.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear adventurous finishes well. Due to the high resin content and uneven density of growth rings, a wood conditioner or sealer is recommended before staining to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent, well-defined contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, the presence of the pith in a square structural post format, and the specific reddish-tan hue are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.