Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
- Hardness
- 620 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight and tight grain with uniform growth rings characteristic of vertical grain or quarter-sawn stock, displaying subtle linear patterns without complex figures.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-orange heartwood with a paler yellowish-white sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster that deepens to a warm amber or reddish patina over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
620 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and vertical grain selection.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on the stable surface patina and uniform oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably managed in plantation forests.
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, exterior decking, flooring, beams, boat building, and solid wood doors.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to splinter or tear out along distinct earlywood/latewood boundaries if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, varnishes, oils, and polyurethane exceptionally well; sanding requires care to avoid cutting deeper into the softer earlywood than the harder latewood.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct transition between earlywood and latewood rings, pleasant resinous scent, and exceptional structural integrity.
