Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Vertical grain (quarter-sawn) with very tight, straight, even growth rings. No significant figure visible besides standard growth lines.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown to orange-brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows a warm, aged orange-brown patina with low to moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Structural timber, heavy construction, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and boat building. Its strength-to-weight ratio is exceptionally high for a softwood.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Coastal and Interior regions ranging from British Columbia to California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for high-grade clear vertical grain (CVG) old-growth.
Wood Age Estimate
Old-growth timber based on the exceptionally high ring density; oxidation and surface marks suggest the lumber is several decades old (20-50+ years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN status is Least Concern. FSC-certified options are widely available, though old-growth harvesting is strictly regulated.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout if tools are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. Known for being one of the strongest softwoods. High contrast between earlywood and latewood rings.
Finish Recommendations
Resin-based sealers or polyurethane are recommended. Accepts oil-based stains well, but a pre-stain wood conditioner is advised to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The tight vertical grain pattern, characteristic reddish-orange hue, and earlywood/latewood contrast are definitive markers of old-growth Douglas Fir.