Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong, distinct growth rings with a sharp transition from light earlywood to dark, reddish-brown latewood; generally straight but appears wavy or irregular in this rough-cut end grain cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish to yellowish brown; sapwood is a paler yellowish white. It darkens to a more pronounced orange-red hue with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack, especially when in contact with the ground.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy timbers, flooring, plywood, veneer, millwork, and Christmas trees.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot (standard construction grade vs. clear vertical grain).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut; the bright color of the wood fibers and lack of grey weathering suggest the log was felled within the last few months.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified due to extensive commercial replanting.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp difference in density between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding and splintering during cross-cutting.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet, citrus-like scent when freshly cut. High strength-to-weight ratio makes it the premier North American structural softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well, but a sanding sealer or wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness due to varying grain density.
Identification Confidence
High; the abrupt transition between latewood and earlywood rings, the splintery texture of the rough cut, and the classic orange-tan color are diagnostic of Pseudotsuga menziesii.