Douglas Fir (with potential Pine or Southern Yellow Pine alternatives)
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain with distinct growth ring contrast; flat-sawn texture showing prominent transition between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Originally light brown to reddish-tan heartwood with yellow-white sapwood, currently obscured by a dark walnut-colored stain and polyurethane finish; shows significant darkening in latewood grain lines.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some natural resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Structural timber, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and furniture; frequently used in utility or mid-century construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest to British Columbia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain commands higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
40-70 years based on the heavy oxidation of the exposed damaged corner and the mid-century construction style of the mitered panel.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; widely available as FSC certified and plantation-grown; not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work but prone to splintering and tearout on the end grain; the distinct density difference between rings can make uniform staining difficult without a sealer.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; prominent 'zebra-stripe' appearance when flat-sawn.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for protection; requires a wood conditioner/pre-stain sealer to prevent blotchiness due to uneven absorption in the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, bold growth rings and 'cathedral' patterns are characteristic of Douglas Fir, supported by the chipping pattern on the damaged edge which reveals long, brittle fibers.