Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain with a coarse texture. This sample displays flat-sawn cathedral patterns with distinct growth ring transitions between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown to orange-yellow. The sapwood is a paler whitish to yellowish-tan. It darkens significantly with UV exposure over time, taking on a deeper orange-red hue.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack. It is one of the most durable softwoods against rot in temperate climates.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction (beams, glulams), cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades are higher).
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut or recently machined; the lack of deep oxidation or graying indicates a new sample, likely processed within the last 6 months.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be prone to splintering and tearout; may require sharp blades to avoid crushing fibers. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. Known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods. Contains high resin content which can occasionally gum up sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane or lacquer to protect the surface; penetrating oils are also common. Use a wood conditioner if staining to avoid blotchiness between growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic color contrast between the light earlywood and dark latewood growth rings, combined with the reddish-orange hue, is highly diagnostic for Douglas Fir.