Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, sharp cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections; high contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, exhibiting a medium-to-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-orange hue; sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows a dark reddish-brown stain that has aged and oxidized, darkening the latewood significantly.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay, but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Residential flooring, heavy structural timbers, cabinetry, millwork, plywood, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely naturalized in Europe and Oceania.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot for high-grade or reclaimed vertical grain; lower for flat-sawn common grades.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 60-100 years old based on the narrow growth rings (indicative of old-growth timber), deep oxidation of the finish, and heavy surface patina/wear marks.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; IUCN status of Least Concern. Often available as FSC-certified or reclaimed from historic structures.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it can split easily when nailing. The transition between soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause uneven sanding or "ribbing."
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when freshly cut. Noted for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane. Due to the high contrast in wood density, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching when using dark stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight growth rings, very sharp cathedral peaks, and the specific way the wood fiber has splintered on the damaged edge are characteristic of old-growth Douglas Fir.