Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, straight grain with prominent, darker reddish-brown latewood bands. Flat-sawn orientation showing wide, distinct growth rings typical of older growth or structural timber.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-tan heartwood with yellowish-white sapwood. High contrast between earlywood and latewood. Deepens to a more pronounced orange-red with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy timber construction, flooring, boat building, veneers, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Cascades, and Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for select grade; reclaimed architectural timber can be higher.
Wood Age Estimate
40-70 years based on the oxidation color, the visible tightness of the growth rings, and the presence of older paint/finish residues.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES and categorized as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with machines and hand tools. Prone to splintering and breakout during cross-cutting. Holds glues and finishes well, though latewood bands can be difficult to stain evenly.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. High strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood. Contains natural resins that can occasionally gum up sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or lacquer. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended if staining to avoid 'blotching' caused by varying density in growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'orange-red' hue, the width and sharpness of the latewood lines, and the structural dimensions shown are diagnostic of Douglas Fir.