Douglas Fir (Reclaimed Dimensional Lumber)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood / Reclaimed
- Type
- Softwood / Reclaimed
- Origin
- Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region).
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to rot, termites, and fungal decay under prolonged wet exterior exposure without treatment.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with clear, pronounced growth rings (abrupt earlywood to latewood transition typical of conifers). The splintered cross-section shows coarse, fibrous long-grain fracture.
Color & Appearance
Extremely weathered silver-gray surface with cracking and fungal oxidation on the exterior face. Freshly exposed/fractured interior reveals a warm reddish-orange to yellowish-brown heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to rot, termites, and fungal decay under prolonged wet exterior exposure without treatment.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 - $4.50 per board foot for rough/reclaimed structural lumber; higher if milled into high-grade architectural material.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 20 to 50+ years old, indicated by severe UV graying, surface checking, and deep weathering of the exterior faces.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely harvested and managed in sustainable plantations. Highly sustainable when reclaimed and reused.
Common Uses
Structural framing, joists, beams, heavy timber construction, subflooring, exterior decking, and reclaimed wood furniture/accent walls.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region).
Workability
Easy to moderate workability with hand and machine tools. Tends to split easily along prominent latewood rings during fast operations or near ends; requires pre-drilling for screws.
Finish Recommendations
Requires thorough power-washing or wire-brushing and surface planing to clean weathered face. Accepts exterior oil-based stains, polyurethane, or penetrating sealers well; seal end-grains heavily.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet pine scent when freshly cut; prominent resin ducts; sharp visual contrast between light springwood and dark summerwood rings.
