Douglas Fir (likely North Coast variation)
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse texture; visible rough-sawn circular saw marks and checking present along the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light yellowish-brown with a subtle reddish-orange tint; sapwood is lighter and pale. The wood has silvered slightly due to UV exposure and oxidation, losing its fresh pinkish hue.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack without pressure treatment.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, framing, decking, flooring, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $2.50 to $5.50 per board foot depending on grade (Select vs. Construction).
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be 5-10 years old based on the depth of checking, oxidation of the brown tones, and weathered surface residue.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification; considered sustainable due to replanting programs.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout during cross-cutting; glues and finishes well but is prone to "bleeding" sap if not kiln-dried.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when freshly cut; highest strength-to-weight ratio of any North American softwood; notable for its ability to hold fasteners securely.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil stains or semi-transparent exterior stains are recommended to hide checking and UV damage; requires a wood conditioner if using film-forming finishes to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying based on the reddish-brown hue, prominent latewood bands characteristic of Pseudotsuga, and common use in large-dimension exterior timber applications.