Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with a lighter yellowish sapwood, showing moderate natural luster and some weathering and whitish residue on the surface
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years based on surface wear, oxidation, and nail/screw holes indicating previous architectural use
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in plantations
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, doors, and millwork
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast in hardness between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, and polyurethane well, though pre-conditioning may be required for uniform stain absorption due to uneven porosity
Notable Features
Distinctive strong contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a characteristic resinous scent
