Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain with a wavy end-grain transition; coarse texture with prominent, dark latewood growth rings visible in this flatsawn/rift orientation cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown to orange-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits a high contrast between earlywood and latewood. Darkens and reddens over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for structural use.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and trim work. Frequently used for pergolas and exterior decking when treated.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 to $4.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain vs. Construction Grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh to moderately recently cut (less than 1-2 years), evidenced by the light color of the fresh end-cut versus the darker oxidation on the outer rough-sawn faces.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be prone to splintering and tearout because of the density difference between earlywood and latewood. Glues and finishes well but is prone to 'ghosting' or uneven staining without a sealer.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut. Notable for its high stiffness and strength compared to other softwoods. Pitch pockets are common.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane. A sanding sealer or pre-stain conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotching due to varying wood density.
Identification Confidence
High; identified by the characteristic abrupt transition between earlywood and dark latewood rings, reddish hue, and fibrous texture typical of North American conifers.