Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figure; features a straight but coarse grain with a distinct contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with thinner, yellowish-white sapwood. Shows moderate luster and tends to darken to a deeper reddish-tan with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Fair resistance to weathering in exterior applications.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, veneer, flooring, interior trim, cabinetry, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot for select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely less than 5-10 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation and clean, machine-planed surface.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and frequently FSC certified; sustainable due to extensive reforestation and plantation growth.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout if tools are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large latewood bands can cause uneven stain absorption.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for protection; a pre-stain wood conditioner is advised if using oil-based stains to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
High; the broad, distinct growth rings, pinkish-orange hue, and characteristic cathedral grain pattern are quintessential markers of commercially available Douglas Fir.