Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible growth rings show high contrast between earlywood and latewood. Flat-sawn end grain displays significant checking.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrower, yellowish-white sapwood. Colors tend to darken and redden with exposure to light (photochemical oxidation).
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, framing, flooring, plywood, veneer, and trim work.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 to $5.00 per board foot depending on grade (Select or Clear vs Construction grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young structural lumber (likely 1-5 years post-processing) showing signs of rapid drying through radial surface checking.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified from managed forests.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it can splinter easily. Glues and finishes well, but latewood can transition sharply in hardness during sanding.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; high resin content can occasionally lead to gumming of tools.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane work well; a sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness due to varying grain density.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the growth ring structure, pronounced latewood bands, reddish-tan hue, and fibrous end-grain texture are characteristic of Pseudotsuga menziesii.