Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western North America ranges.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay when exposed to weather, though susceptible to insect attack over prolonged ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent growth rings and several tight knot clusters, showing some surface chatter marks from early milling.
Color & Appearance
Aged to a weathered grayish-brown on the surface with underlying warm reddish-brown undertones visible in the heartwood. Low natural luster due to UV exposure and oxidation.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay when exposed to weather, though susceptible to insect attack over prolonged ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and whether it is reclaimed.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 30 to 60 years old based on weathering, oxidation, surface checking, and primitive milling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Widely available through commercial plantations and sustainable forestry initiatives.
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, heavy timber construction, flooring, doors, and exterior decking.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western North America ranges.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, exterior stains, or marine-grade finishes work well. For interior applications, polyurethane or water-based clear coats adhere cleanly after a light sanding to remove the weathered layer.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinctive sweet resinous scent when freshly cut, excellent dimensional stability for a softwood, and prominent grain contrast.
