Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a medium to coarse texture; visible prominent growth rings with a sharp transition from earlywood to latewood. Flat-sawn appearance shows wavy cathedral patterns in the grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown and the sapwood is a yellowish-white. The exposed raw section shows a characteristic pinkish-orange hue. It tends to darken and redden over time when exposed to light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Requires treatment for ground contact.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, plywood, flooring, cabinetry, and exterior siding.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain commands higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/contemporary (likely 0-20 years), based on the sharpness of the split and the lack of deep patina on the freshly exposed wood fibers.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tear-out along the grain lines. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut or sanded; high strength-to-weight ratio; characteristic 'brash' fracture when split as seen in the image.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or oil-based varnishes work well. Best to use a wood conditioner if staining to avoid blotchiness due to uneven absorption between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the reddish-pink interior color, structural dimensions, and coarse splintering pattern are highly characteristic of North American Douglas Fir commonly used in residential construction.