Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Tight vertical grain with mostly quarter-sawn and rift-sawn orientation, showing distinct and consistent growth rings typical of old-growth or high-grade vertical grain flooring.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown to orange-brown heartwood with lighter yellowish-tan sapwood. Exhibits a natural amber patina with moderate luster, deepening in warmth over decades of light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 10.00 USD per board foot for high-grade vertical grain or reclaimed stock
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 80 to 120+ years old, indicated by the tight growth rings, deep amber patina, and wear consistent with historic architectural installations.
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and sustainable, widely managed in commercial plantations, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list.
Common Uses
Flooring, structural framing, heavy timber construction, plywood, doors, and window sashes.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, specifically the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp contrast in density between earlywood and latewood can sometimes cause splintering or uneven planing if blades are not kept extremely sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, and traditional oil finishes very well. Light sanding and a pre-stain conditioner may be used if an even stain absorption is desired on older, unevenly oxidized surfaces.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct pine-like scent when freshly cut, prominent contrast between springwood and summerwood rings.
