Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Strictly vertical grain (quarter-sawn/rift-sawn) with extremely tight, parallel growth rings indicating slow growth.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with a paler yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkening to a deeper amber brown with exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to weathering and moderate resistance to rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and vertical grain quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly cut to a few years old, with minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Structural framing, plywood, flooring, heavy timber construction, boat building, doors, and window sashes.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the strong contrast between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended to ensure even color absorption across earlywood and latewood bands.
Notable Features
Distinctive resin odor, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent acoustic properties making it popular for soundboards.
