Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a prominent, abrupt transition between light earlywood and dark latewood; exhibits distinct cathedral figuring in flat-sawn sections and fine, even lines in vertical grain sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light reddish-brown to a yellowish-tan color; sapwood is narrow and pale yellowish-white. The color tends to darken and redden over time with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Needs treatment for ground contact.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest) and widely planted across Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and grain orientation (Vertical Grain is more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
The surface patina and wear patterns suggest a sample that is approximately 5 to 10 years old with a standard polyurethane or lacquer finish.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern on the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC-certified.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout if tools are not sharp. Paints and glues well, but resins can sometimes interfere with finishes.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, resinous scent when worked; has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability; oils can be used to highlight the grain, though a pre-stain sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the color, growth ring contrast, and cathedral pattern are characteristic of Douglas Fir, though some Southern Yellow Pine species can look similar without a clear end-grain view.