Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with prominent cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face; medium to coarse texture with distinct growth ring contrast.
Color Description
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-orange heartwood with nearly white to pale yellow sapwood; features high contrast between earlywood and latewood; darkens to a deeper reddish-tan with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot but susceptible to insect attack; one of the strongest softwoods for its weight.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, flooring, plywood, windows, doors, and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.00 per board foot depending on grade and location.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly processed timber (likely within 1-2 years), showing bright color with minimal oxidation and industrial planer marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC-certified and plantation-grown.
Workability
Generally works well with machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and tearout; takes glues and screws well, but the sharp contrast between earlywood and latewood can make hand-planing difficult.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; high resin content can occasionally cause 'bleeding' through finishes if not properly dried.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes; requires a sanding sealer or wood conditioner before staining to prevent blotchiness due to varied density.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide growth rings, distinct orange-red transition between earlywood and latewood, and the specific cathedral grain shape are classic indicators of coastal Douglas Fir.