Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest.
- Hardness
- 660 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with pronounced vertical grain (edge-grain or quarter-sawn appearance) showing clear contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-orange heartwood with a lighter yellowish sapwood. The wood shows considerable ambering and patina from age and light exposure, featuring moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard grades; higher for vertical grain old-growth stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50 to 100+ years old based on surface wear patterns, oxidation, and deep amber patina characteristic of older flooring installations.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available as plantation-grown lumber, though old-growth is protected.
Common Uses
Flooring, structural framing, plywood, veneer, heavy construction, and exterior applications.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and shapes well, though sharp cutting edges are necessary to prevent tearing of the softer earlywood bands against the harder latewood.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, polyurethanes, and penetrating oils very well. Surface preparation should include thorough sanding to smooth the differential hardness between earlywood and latewood rings.
Notable Features
Distinctive resin canals, high strength-to-weight ratio, and prominent growth ring contrast. Moderate dimensional stability once dried.
Notes
Mjb floor light 2
