Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent, abrupt transition between light earlywood and dark latewood; the end grain shows very clear, tight growth rings with a high latewood percentage.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows deep orange-brown latewood and light tan earlywood; it tends to redden or darken with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack (beetles/termites).
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, boat building, and general construction framing.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain Clear is more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
The tight growth rings (approx. 10-15 rings per inch) suggest slow-growth or older-growth timber, likely harvested 20+ years ago given the oxidation level visible on the end grain.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; categorized as Least Concern by IUCN. FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the density difference between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding and 'washboards' if not careful.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; lacks true resin canals of pines but has a very high resin content in heartwood.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, but a sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotching due to varying density. Clear resins or film-forming finishes like polyurethane work best.
Identification Confidence
High; the end grain shows the classic abrupt transition between light and dark growth rings characteristic of Pseudotsuga, and the color profile is consistent with high-grade Douglas Fir.