Douglas Fir — Pseudotsuga menziesii
Medium, based on the reddish-brown tone, pronounced growth ring contrast, and typical appearance of North American softwood dimensional lumber. confidence

Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood

Type
Softwood
Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
Hardness
620 lbf (Soft)
Durability
Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if left untreated outdoors.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Straight grain with distinct growth rings and a slightly coarse texture, typical of flat-sawn or plain-sawn construction lumber.

Color & Appearance

Light reddish-brown to yellowish-brown heartwood with a lighter yellowish sapwood, exhibiting moderate natural luster.

Hardness (Janka)

620 lbf (Soft)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if left untreated outdoors.

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and dimensions.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated to be relatively modern kiln-dried dimensional lumber, likely less than a few decades old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES appendices and generally of least concern on the IUCN Red List. Widely available from sustainably managed plantations.

Common Uses

Construction framing, plywood, heavy timber construction, flooring, doors, and general millwork.

Geographic Origin

Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.

Workability

Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the pronounced difference in density between earlywood and latewood can sometimes cause splintering or uneven planing.

Finish Recommendations

Accepts stains, varnishes, and paints well, though pre-conditioning may be required for even stain absorption on softer earlywood.

Notable Features

Known for having a high strength-to-weight ratio, distinct resin canals, and a characteristic resinous scent when freshly cut.

Learn more about Douglas Fir in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 29, 2026