Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain grain. It can be wavy or curly. The growth rings are very distinct with a high contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, while sapwood is lighter yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or redden with age upon exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. It has a moderate resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, flooring, veneers, furniture, and cabinet work.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America (Pacific Northwest) and widely planted in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear being more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
The visible growth rings suggest the lumber came from a tree approximately 40-60 years old; current surfacing appears relatively recent (less than 5 years) due to lack of heavy oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. FSC certification is common and widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to splinter or tear out during some operations like crosscutting. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when being worked; high strength-to-weight ratio; high contrast transition between earlywood and latewood rings.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability. If stained, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent, well-defined growth rings with sharp contrast between light and dark bands are characteristic of Douglas Fir.