Douglas Fir (alternative: Southern Yellow Pine or Western Redcedar)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region)
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers moderate natural resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced flat-sawn growth rings with uneven earlywood/latewood bands showing strong wavy cathedral patterning across the end cut
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light reddish-brown to dark golden amber, with yellowish-tan earlywood growth bands; darkens to a deeper reddish-brown with age and UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers moderate natural resistance to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for live-edge rough-sawn slab material
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn slab shows moderate surface oxidation, rough mill saw marks, and aging consistent with 10 to 30 years of reclaimed or stored lumber
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested across North America; FSC certified sources common
Common Uses
Heavy construction framing, live-edge tables, structural timbers, outdoor decking, millwork, plywood core, and rustic furniture
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region)
Workability
Works easily with hand and machine tools, though sharp cutters are needed to avoid tearout between soft earlywood and dense latewood bands; holds glues and fasteners well
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain wood conditioner recommended to prevent blotching; finishes exceptionally well with penetrating oils (tung oil, Danish oil), film-forming polyurethanes, or exterior spar varnish
Notable Features
Distinct resinous/piney scent when freshly cut or sanded; high strength-to-weight ratio; prominent earlywood to latewood density contrast
