Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from British Columbia down through California and into the Rocky Mountains.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Tight, straight vertical grain with narrow growth rings, characteristic of quarter-sawn or vertical-grain material.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to orange-brown heartwood with a distinct contrast to paler yellowish-white sapwood. Exhibits moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a deeper amber or reddish brown over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to decay, though susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade, clear vertical-grain status, and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (several decades old based on oxidation and color tone), sourced from old-growth or high-density second-growth timber.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally evaluated as of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available through certified forests and plantations.
Common Uses
Construction framing, structural beams, flooring, plywood, exterior decking, doors, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from British Columbia down through California and into the Rocky Mountains.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not extremely sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, polyurethanes, and oils well. Pre-conditioning or sanding with finer grits helps ensure even stain absorption due to the density differences in growth rings.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct pine-like resinous scent when freshly cut, excellent dimensional stability, and high stiffness making it ideal for structural applications.
