Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a very prominent, raised, and coarse texture. Shows distinct latewood bands (darker, denser) and earlywood bands (lighter, softer), which have weathered or been brushed to create a tactile ridged effect.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a yellowish-tan to reddish-brown; sapwood is a paler yellowish-white. This sample shows significant orange-brown oxidation and a clear finish that has darkened slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; moderately resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Stronger and stiffer than most softwoods.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, cabinetry, plywood, veneering, and reclaimed timber for rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and clear/knot-free requirements.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years since harvest (based on deep oxidation and the thickness of the finish layers), likely from older-growth or reclaimed stock given the tight grain.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with machine tools, though the transition between soft earlywood and hard latewood can cause 'washboarding' or uneven sanding. Holds nails and screws well but can split if not pre-drilled near edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when freshly cut. Highly valued for its strength-to-weight ratio. The 'raised grain' shown in the image is a classic indicator of weathered or wire-brushed Douglas Fir.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or film-building polyurethanes. Due to the deep ridges in this specific sample, a matte or satin film finish is recommended to avoid excessive pooling and glare.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-orange hue, the extreme contrast between earlywood/latewood bands, and the distinctive tight growth rings is characteristic of Douglas Pir.