Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Occasional tight knots and visible growth rings showing a distinct transition between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrower, yellowish-white sapwood. Shows high luster and can darken significantly to a deeper orange-red over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, trim, veneer, boat building, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain vs. Flat Sawn).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the oxidation, rough-sawn texture, and superficial surface staining, the sample appears to be seasoned construction stock roughly 5-15 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified from managed forests.
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be prone to splintering and tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, though large latewood bands can cause uneven stain absorption.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; high resin content can sometimes clog abrasives or bleed through finishes if not sealed.
Finish Recommendations
Clear penetrative oils or film-forming finishes like polyurethane. A sanding sealer or wash coat of shellac is recommended to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the very prominent, fibrous earlywood/latewood contrast and rough-split characteristics are diagnostic of Douglas Fir.