Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable. Shows moderate resistance to decay and weathering, though heartwood is more resilient than sapwood.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct, narrow growth rings showing clear contrast between earlywood and latewood, typical of a conifer cross-section.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a medium reddish-brown with a distinct lighter yellowish-white to pale brown sapwood. The color darkens slightly upon exposure to UV light and air.
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable. Shows moderate resistance to decay and weathering, though heartwood is more resilient than sapwood.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, typically ranging from $2.00 to $4.50 per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Approximately 45 to 55 years old, based on the counting of prominent annual growth rings visible on the cross-section.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed and of least concern on the IUCN Red List. Widely available through sustainable forestry and tree farms.
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, structural timber, veneer, flooring, and exterior decking.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes, saws, and glues well, though sharp cutting edges are necessary to prevent tearout between the soft earlywood and hard latewood.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, and penetrating oils well. Exterior applications require UV-resistant finishes to protect against weathering and graying.
Notable Features
Possesses a distinct resinous scent, high strength-to-weight ratio, and pronounced grain contrast.
