Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and even grain. The end grain shows prominent, distinct growth rings with a sharp transition from light earlywood to dark, dense latewood, typical of flatsawn/plainsawn construction lumber.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrow, yellowish-white sapwood. It possesses a moderate luster and tends to darken or redden over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft range)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in ground-contact applications.
Common Uses
Heavy structural construction (beams, joists, rafters), flooring, trim, veneer, and boat building. This specific sample appears to be dimensional lumber used for framing or shelving.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $2.50 - $4.00 per board foot for select grades; lower for common construction-grade framing lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern (less than 10 years). The edges are crisp, and the wood shows minimal oxidation or graying, suggesting it has been stored indoors/garaged.
Sustainability Status
Generally abundant and sustainable. Not listed in CITES or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering or 'shelling' of the latewood rings. It glues, stains, and finishes well, but may require a wood conditioner due to its resin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut. Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods. It lacks the pungent odor of Hemlock or Cedar.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or clear lacquer for protection. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent 'blotching' caused by the alternating density of the growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood, the reddish-tinge, and the specific growth ring spacing are classic diagnostic features of Douglas Fir.