Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, flat-sawn displaying prominent cathedral patterns and abrupt transition between earlywood and latewood; visible knots and checks present
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a yellowish-tan to light reddish-brown; sapwood is lighter cream. Features high contrast between light earlywood and dark latewood rings. Darkens with age and UV exposure to a deeper orange-brown
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to rot and decay but susceptible to insect attack (beetles/termites)
Common Uses
Heavy construction, framing, flooring, cabinetry, plywood, trim, and outdoor decking
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and reclamation status
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years since harvest; showing signs of significant oxidation, surface checking, and environmental wear typical of reclaimed structural timber
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified by IUCN as Least Concern; widely available as FSC certified and sustainable plantation-grown timber
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though latewood can be hard and brittle leading to tearout or splintering; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can occasionally cause 'bleeding' through finishes
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane; a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching and ensure even color absorption
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood rings, the orange-red hue, and the specific checking patterns are characteristic of Pseudotsuga menziesii