Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, vertical grain (consistent with historic edge-grain flooring); very tight growth rings typically seen in old-growth timber.
Color Description
Hidden by grey paint; naturally heartwood is light reddish-brown to orange-yellow. Aged samples become significantly darker and more amber over time under finish.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; moderately resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Residential flooring, heavy structural timbers, cabinetry, millwork, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot if reclaimed/vertical grain
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 70-110 years old based on the plank width, visible tight growth rings, and the degree of gap separation due to long-term seasonal shrinkage.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; commonly FSC certified. Old-growth is increasingly rare and protected, making reclaimed stock highly sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools; however, it has a tendency to splinter and 'shell' (rings separating) if worked too aggressively.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; characteristic seasonal wood movement visible in the wide gaps between the floorboards.
Finish Recommendations
Requires sanding to remove paint; recommend oil-based polyurethane for floors to enhance the natural ambering, or shellac for a historic look.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the plank dimensions, visible grain tightness at the edges, and typical installation style (tongue and groove flooring) strongly suggest Douglas Fir or Heart Pine, with Fir being more common for this specific grey-painted utilitarian application.