Douglas Fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft to Medium Softwood classification)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; reasonable natural resistance to decay, but vulnerable to insect attack if left untreated in contact with ground
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Grain Pattern
Straight, clear, and prominent growth rings visible in this end-grain view showing very distinct latewood/earlywood bands
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light reddish-brown to orange-tan; sapwood is yellowish to white. Darkens to a richer reddish-brown with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft to Medium Softwood classification)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; reasonable natural resistance to decay, but vulnerable to insect attack if left untreated in contact with ground
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade, clear quality, and local availability
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently sawn lumber, likely 0 to 5 years old based on fresh rough-sawn surfaces and lack of deep oxidation or weather staining
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely harvested from sustainably managed forests and certified by FSC or SFI
Common Uses
Structural framing, timber framing, plywood manufacture, flooring, millwork, joinery, and exterior construction
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Workability
Works easily with machine and hand tools. Soft earlywood can tear out if cutting across grain or using dull blades; holds nails and screws well; glues satisfactorily
Finish Recommendations
Accepts paint, stains, and clear finishes well. Use a sanding sealer or gel stain to avoid blotchiness due to varying density between springwood and summerwood
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet pine-like scent when freshly cut; prominent, sharp contrast between light springwood and dark latewood growth rings
