Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and fairly coarse grain with distinct, prominent growth rings. Flat-sawn appearance showing some knots (swirls) and checking/cracking due to weathering.
Color Description
Weathered silver-gray patina on the surface; unweathered heartwood is typically light brown to reddish-brown, while sapwood is yellowish-white. Surface shows oxidation from UV and moisture exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers good resistance to rot and fungal attack but susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in soil contact.
Common Uses
Structural construction, heavy timber framing, decking, flooring, plywood, and exterior boardwalks or docks.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 to $4.50 per board foot (standard construction grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 10-20 years based on heavy silvering/graying, surface checking (cracks), and rusted nail heads indicating long-term outdoor exposure.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can split when nailing near ends. It holds glue and finishes well but can be prone to splintering.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous resin scent when freshly cut. Heavy accumulation of surface 'checks' or longitudinal cracks is a characteristic response to seasoning and outdoor cycles.
Finish Recommendations
Currently weathered/unfinished. For restoration, cleaning and sanding followed by a penetrating exterior oil-based stain or UV-inhibitor sealer is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of growth ring prominence, tendency for longitudinal checking, knot shape, and the context of its use as weathered outdoor decking is highly characteristic of Douglas Fir.