Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with distinct earlywood and latewood contrast typical of flat-sawn or plain-sawn construction lumber.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-brown heartwood with a paler yellowish-white sapwood. Shows moderate luster and darkens to a deeper reddish-brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot depending on grade and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent plantation or second-growth lumber, likely 5 to 20 years old based on surface wear and lack of deep oxidation patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN least concern. Widely available as sustainably harvested timber, often FSC certified.
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, flooring, doors, beams, and general exterior/interior building applications.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the significant hardness difference between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not extremely sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, and polyurethanes well, though a pre-stain conditioner may be helpful to achieve an even color across the contrasting earlywood and latewood bands.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, pronounced growth ring contrast, characteristic resinous scent when freshly cut.
