Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a medium to coarse texture; visible growth rings with a distinct transition between light-colored earlywood and darker reddish-brown latewood. Flat-sawn cathedral patterns are common.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while sapwood is a yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or redden over time with exposure to UV light. High luster but subject to grain-raise.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack. Moderately weather-resistant suitable for exterior use if treated.
Common Uses
Structural timber, construction framing, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, furniture, boat building, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (varies significantly by grade like Vertical Grain vs. Construction Grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently used; the pale color and lack of grey patina suggest the wood is relatively new (less than 1-2 years since machining).
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available with FSC certification; considered a sustainable choice due to rapid growth and managed forests.
Workability
Works well with most tools, though it can have a tendency to splinter or develop tear-out during machining. Gluing, staining, and finishing are generally easy, though resin canals may occasionally cause issues.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; visible latewood/earlywood contrast. No significant toxicity but dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for interior use; penetrating oils or film-forming stains for exterior. Sanding to higher grits helps prevent uneven absorption (blotching).
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identifying features include the characteristic growth ring contrast, reddish-brown hue typical of heartwood, and the common application in structural contexts shown by the board's dimensions.