Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and fairly coarse grain with distinct growth rings showing a strong transition from earlywood to latewood. The sample exhibits rough-sawn circular mill marks.
Color Description
Heartwood typically ranges from yellowish to reddish-brown; sapwood is lighter yellowish-white. This sample shows weathering and graying patina due to UV exposure and oxidation.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Moderately resistant to preservative treatment.
Common Uses
Structural timber, construction framing, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and exterior decking.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. knotty)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; surface oxidation and rough-sawn texture suggest it is a utility or structural board aged between 5-20 years in a protected or semi-exposed environment.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC-certified from managed timberlands.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can split during nailing. Its high resin content can clog sandpaper and dull blades faster than other softwoods.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Resin-rich areas may require sealing with shellac before applying film-forming finishes like polyurethane. Penetrating oils or exterior stains are recommended for weathered applications.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the tight grain characteristic of Douglas-fir is visible beneath the rough-sawn texture and silver-gray weathering, which is consistent with North American structural softwoods.