Douglas Fir (likely old-growth architectural millwork)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America (Western US and Canada)
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; heartwood possesses moderate decay resistance but requires sealing when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, tight vertical grain (rift/quarter-sawn appearance) with clear latewood and earlywood banding typical of old-growth conifers
Color & Appearance
Aged golden-yellow to warm orangey-tan face with slight amber yellowing from aged clear finish residue; sapwood/heartwood distinction blurred by age and oxidation
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; heartwood possesses moderate decay resistance but requires sealing when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot as reclaimed high-grade architectural softwood trim
- Wood Age Estimate
- 50 to 100+ years old; evident from deep patina, oxidized surface layer, legacy paint/finish residue in profile grooves, and tight old-growth ring density
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely managed for timber production, though old-growth vertical grain material is primarily available through reclamation and historic architectural salvage
Common Uses
Historic architectural trim, interior molding, window sash frames, door casing, fine joinery, and reclaimed structural timber
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (Western US and Canada)
Workability
Cuts and planes cleanly along the straight grain; prone to splintering along earlywood/latewood transitions if tools are dull; accepts nails and screws well
Finish Recommendations
Light sanding to remove old paint/finish residue followed by amber shellac, clear polyurethane, or tung oil to highlight vertical grain character; prep coat/sander-sealer suggested to even out absorption
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when freshly cut; prominent alternating density between soft earlywood and hard latewood bands; high strength-to-weight ratio
