Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible flat-sawn cathedral patterns and prominent, darker latewood bands creating high contrast
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown (as seen in the rear boards) while the sapwood is a yellowish-white (seen in the front board); tends to darken to a deeper orange-red with age and UV exposure
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers decent resistance to decay and rot but is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, veneer, joinery, boat building, and exterior millwork
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear vs. Construction grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or secondary growth; roughly 1 to 5 years since harvesting based on clean surfaces and minimal oxidation
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; FSC certification common
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it can be prone to splintering and 'shelling' of latewood; glues and finishes well but may require a sealer to prevent blotching
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; characteristic transition between earlywood and latewood rings
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains or clear polyurethanes; use a wood conditioner/sander sealer prior to staining to ensure even color absorption
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of prominent growth rings, reddish-orange heartwood, and large resin-streak indicators in the end grain is diagnostic for Douglas Fir