Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Growth rings are distinct and prominent, featuring a sharp transition from light-colored earlywood to darker reddish-brown latewood. The sample shows a concentric end-grain pattern typical of a central pith cut, with straight grain direction along the longitudinal axis.
Color Description
The heartwood is a light reddish-brown, while the sapwood is a yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or redden over time with exposure to UV light. It possesses a moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; shows moderate resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Its high resin content provides some natural protection against moisture.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, construction framing, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and boat building (specifically for masts and spars).
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and into the Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades command higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
The visible growth rings suggest the specimen was harvested from a tree approximately 25-30 years old. The fresh, pale appearance and lack of significant oxidation suggests the cut itself is relatively recent (less than 1-2 years old).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC-certified lumber and considered highly sustainable due to extensive replanting and fast growth rates.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the transition between soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause uneven surafaces when sanding. It glues, stains, and finishes well, but can be prone to splintering.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet odor when worked. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods. May cause dermatitis or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals due to sawdust.
Finish Recommendations
Resin in the wood can occasionally cause issues with finishes; a wood conditioner or sealer is recommended before staining. Polyurethane, lacquer, and penetrating oils all work well.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the abrupt transition between latewood and earlywood, the characteristic reddish hue of the rings, the lack of distinct resin canals seen in Pines, and the overall growth ring density are classic indicators of Pseudotsuga menziesii.