Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy; flat-sawn displaying prominent cathedral patterns and distinct transition between earlywood and latewood. Coarse texture with a medium luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light reddish-brown to a yellowish-tan. Sapwood is a pale cream to yellowish-white. The wood tends to darken and redden significantly with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. Offers decent resistance to decay and rot, though it is susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in ground contact.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, framing, flooring, plywood, veneer, window frames, doors, and cabinet components.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely naturalized in parts of Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain vs. Flat Sawn) and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing. The uniform surfacing and lack of significant oxidation or deep patina suggest the planks are likely less than 5-10 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and considered a highly sustainable commercial species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the hardness difference between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding or 'telegraphing' through finishes. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet balsamic scent when freshly cut. Noted for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethanes. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent blotchiness due to varying density across the grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The wide, distinct growth rings, characteristic reddish-yellow hue, and specific cathedral grain structure are classic hallmarks of flat-sawn Douglas Fir.