Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with prominent latewood bands. Features frequent knots and small bird's-eye pockets visible in the surface. Displays a mix of flat-sawn and rift-sawn attributes.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light reddish-brown to orange-brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. Shows high contrast between earlywood and latewood. Darkens significantly with age and UV exposure to a deep amber.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. Good resistance to rot and decay; susceptible to insect attack. Primarily used in environments protected from constant ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, structural framing, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern manufacture (5-15 years), indicated by the uniform mechanical finish and recent oxidation patina on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed. Classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to splinter or tear out if tools are not sharp. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but can be prone to resin bleed.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, evergreen scent. Known for one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals due to dust.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for surface protection. Due to uneven absorption between growth rings, a gel stain or pre-stain conditioner is recommended if coloring the wood.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic reddish-orange hue, sharp transition between earlywood and latewood, and specific knot structure are diagnostic for Douglas Fir.