Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain with a coarse, uneven texture. Distinctive growth rings show a sharp contrast between light-colored earlywood and dark-colored latewood, creating a prominent 'feather' or 'cathedral' pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown with a hint of red or yellow to a darker reddish-brown. Sapwood is a lighter cream to yellowish-white. The color tends to darken and redden significantly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but can be susceptible to insect attack. It holds up well to weathering compared to other softwoods.
Common Uses
Structural timber/framing, plywood, flooring, heavy construction (bridges/piers), millwork, cabinetry, and Christmas trees.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely planted in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear vs. Construction Grade).
Wood Age Estimate
The visible rough-sawn texture and oxidation levels suggest the wood has been seasoned/stored for 1-5 years, but the biological age of the tree was likely 40-70 years based on growth ring density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification and considered a highly sustainable, fast-growing timber source.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the density difference between earlywood and latewood can cause 'washboard' effects during sanding or planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires a sealer to prevent blotchiness.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can occasionally gum up sandpaper and blades.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane for protection. Use a pre-stain wood conditioner if staining to ensure even color absorption due to the porous earlywood.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-orange hue, prominent and sharp growth ring transitions, coarse texture, and rough-sawn surface are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.