Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight, vertical grain with narrow growth rings characteristic of quarter-sawn or riftsawn lumber
Color & Appearance
Light brown to pale yellowish-tan with contrasting darker reddish-brown latewood bands; low natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, typically $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and vertical grain quality
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent or well-preserved kiln-dried lumber, estimated under 10-20 years
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, generally abundant and sustainably managed in tree farms and plantations with FSC certification widely available
Common Uses
Construction framing, plywood, heavy timber construction, flooring, doors, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America and western mountainous regions
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause splintering or uneven planing
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to ensure even color absorption across the dense latewood and softer earlywood rings
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct contrasting growth rings, characteristic resin scent when freshly cut
