Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain; very distinct growth rings with a sharp transition from light earlywood to darker latewood. This sample shows flat-sawn grain with some slight waviness around small knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from orange-red to yellowish-tan; sapwood is a paler yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or redden significantly with exposure to light and age.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but can be susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Heavy construction (beams, plywood), framing, flooring, boat building, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $5.00 per board foot for standard dimensional lumber; higher for clear, old-growth vertical grain boards.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern (less than 10 years). The light color and lack of deep oxidation or graying suggest a newer piece of dimensional lumber.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though latewood can be hard and brittle, leading to tearout. Glues and finishes well, but requires a sealer/conditioner due to resin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; technically not a 'true' fir (hence the genus Pseudotsuga).
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for protection. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness caused by varying density in growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible grain transitions, color, and the handwritten label 'Douglas Fir' on the face of the board provide a definitive identification.