Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct, prominent latewood bands creating a pronounced flat-sawn cathedral or linear striped pattern. Coarse texture.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrow band of yellowish-white sapwood. Shows high contrast between earlywood and latewood; darkens significantly to a deeper orange-red over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Strongest of the softwoods.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, structural framing, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (Clear/Vertical Grain), significantly less for construction-grade dimensional lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split or rough-cut construction grade; minimal oxidation suggests recent harvest or processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests; FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be prone to splintering and tearout due to the hardness difference between earlywood and latewood. Glue and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can occasionally cause 'bleeding' through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane. Requires sanding to high grits to avoid uneven absorption between growth rings; sealer recommended to prevent resin bleed.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between light earlywood and dark, dense latewood combined with the fibrous splintering at the edges is characteristic of Pseudotsuga menziesii.