Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and weathering
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Grain Pattern
Straight, vertical-grain (quarter-sawn/rift-sawn appearance with very tight, parallel growth rings visible on the face)
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-orange heartwood with paler yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens to a rich amber-brown with age and UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay and weathering
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard grades, higher for vertical-grain select clears
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10 to 30 years based on surface condition, typical modern architectural millwork, and hardware integration
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available with strong sustainable forestry and plantation management certification (FSC)
Common Uses
Structural framing, plywood, exterior doors, window frames, flooring, timber frame construction, and boat masts
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast between earlywood and latewood density can sometimes cause splintering or uneven planing if tools are not kept very sharp
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, sealers, varnishes, and paints well; exterior applications benefit from UV-blocking penetrating oils or marine varnishes
Notable Features
Distinctive straight and tight growth rings, high strength-to-weight ratio, pleasant resinous scent when freshly cut, contains moderate natural resins
