Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest and Western North America
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and weathering when untreated
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct growth rings and a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with a paler yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens to a deeper reddish-brown upon prolonged exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and weathering when untreated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, typically $2.50 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and dimensions
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately recent lumber, showing typical oxidation and milling marks consistent with standard construction material
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN; widely available from sustainably managed forests and plantations
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, heavy timber construction, flooring, doors, and window sashes
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest and Western North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the pronounced difference in hardness between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not sharp
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, and polyurethanes well, though an initial pre-stain wood conditioner is often recommended to prevent blotchiness on softer earlywood areas
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent dimensional stability, prominent contrast between earlywood and latewood rings, and a distinct resinous scent when freshly cut
