Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium-coarse texture; exhibits prominent cathedral figures in flat-sawn sections and distinct growth ring patterns with dark latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-orange hue, sometimes with a yellowish tint; sapwood is narrow and pale yellowish-white. It tends to darken and redden significantly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack (beetles and termites).
Common Uses
Heavy construction (beams, glulam), flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, plywood, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest) and coastal regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/CVG is higher value).
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on growth ring density and degree of oxidation/ambering visible on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout during machining. Responds well to gluing and finishing.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when worked; very high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; high resin content can occasionally cause bleeding through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane to highlight grain. Tends to take stains unevenly (blotching), so a wood conditioner or sealer is recommended before staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the pronounced transition between earlywood and latewood, the specific warm orange-red undertones, and the visible knot structure are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.