Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, flat-sawn with prominent growth ring transitions and small knots
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellow sapwood; features a moderate luster and tends to redden/darken 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
Common Uses
Residential construction framing, heavy timbers, flooring, plywood, and exterior millwork
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.50 per board foot for select grades
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (0-5 years); fresh mechanical planed surface with minimal oxidation or patina consistent with recent dimensional lumber
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification; considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth and managed forests
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to splinter or tear out along the latewood bands; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for a high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods; relatively distinct transition between earlywood and latewood
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane or oil-based stains are recommended; a wood conditioner is advised before staining to prevent blotching
Identification Confidence
High; the abrupt transition between light earlywood and dark latewood, combined with the specific reddish hue and knot structure, is characteristic of Douglas Fir dimensional lumber