Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern around knots, with prominent latewood bands (the darker lines) creating high visual contrast.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while the sapwood is a yellowish-white. It exhibits a high contrast between earlywood and latewood. The color tends to darken and redden significantly with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. It is common for structural use but requires treatment for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Heavy structural construction (beams, glulam, framing), flooring, veneers, cabinetry, and exterior millwork/siding.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades are priced higher than construction grade).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern, likely less than 5-10 years old. The surface shows fresh milling marks and a bright patina without significant oxidation or deep wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification; considered a sustainable and managed timber resource.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the hard latewood bands can cause uneven sanding (rifling). It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can be prone to splintering or "shelling" if planed against the grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals due to its resin content.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear coats, oils, and polyurethane well. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness due to the varying density between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between the light earlywood and dark, sharp-edged latewood bands, combined with the reddish-tan hue and resinous knot characteristics, are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.