Douglas Fir (Reclaimed Structural Timber)
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood / Reclaimed
- Type
- Softwood / Reclaimed
- Origin
- Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
- Hardness
- 620 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to decay and fungi, though prone to insect attack if left untreated and in direct ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy face grain with pronounced growth ring contrast, featuring tight prominent earlywood and latewood bands. Displays authentic rough-sawn circular saw marks, checks, knots, and historic structural character.
Color & Appearance
Aged medium russet orange to reddish-brown heartwood with weathered light tan tones. Features heavy natural UV exposure patina, dark oxidation lines, and subtle graying in exposed checks and crevices.
Hardness (Janka)
620 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to decay and fungi, though prone to insect attack if left untreated and in direct ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $16.00 per board foot ( premium value due to large dimensions, reclaimed rustic aesthetic, and rough-sawn character).
- Wood Age Estimate
- 50 to 100+ years old (reclaimed timber showing vintage mechanical circular saw kerf marks and deep structural drying checks).
- Sustainability Status
- Highly Sustainable / Eco-Friendly; reclaimed from historic structures, diverting waste from landfills and eliminating the need for newly harvested old-growth timber. IUCN Least Concern.
Common Uses
Heavy timber framing, decorative exposed post-and-beam construction, rustic furniture, architectural features, mantels, reclaimed accent walls, and outdoor pergolas.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Workability
Generally good workability with sharp tools, though old dry timber can be brittle. May cause splintering along prominent latewood bands or around tight knots. High resin content can occasionally clog sandpaper and saw blades.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exterior wood oils, clear matte polyurethane, or natural wax finishes work best to highlight the rich aged patina and rough-sawn texture without film buildup that could crack in deep checks.
Notable Features
Distinctive rough-cut kerf lines from historical mill processing, prominent deep longitudinal drying checks, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a mild, pleasant resinous pine-like scent when freshly cut or sanded.
