Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain grain. Features prominent, latewood growth rings that are darker and denser than earlywood, creating a characteristic striped appearance on flat-sawn surfaces. Small knots are common.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-yellow hue; sapwood is lighter cream to yellowish. Color tends to darken or redden significantly upon exposure to light and with age.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack if not treated.
Common Uses
Residential and commercial construction (framing), flooring, trim, cabinetry, plywood, piling, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. knotty) and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Likely 1-5 years old based on the light color and lack of deep oxidation/patina typical of modern construction-grade lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification and considered highly sustainable due to fast growth and managed forests.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can exhibit tearout during planing if tools are not sharp. Holds nails and screws well but can split near ends without pre-drilling.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when freshly cut. Noted for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes reasonably well, although a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness. Commonly finished with oil-based polyurethane for flooring or left unfinished in structural framing.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood rings, the small resinous knot, and the typical 'SPF' (Spruce-Pine-Fir) appearance in a dimensional lumber context are characteristic of Douglas Fir.