Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, prominent vertical grain with distinct reddish-brown latewood bands and lighter earlywood; displays typical flat-sawn cathedral patterns with visible checks and weathering texture.
Color Description
Originally light brown to reddish-tan heartwood; this sample shows significant graying/silvering due to UV oxidation and weathering, with residual beige paint and dark gray vertical checking.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some natural resistance to decay but susceptible to beetle attack if left untreated and exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Residential construction, heavy timber framing, exterior siding, flooring, and utility-grade lumber.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (standard grade); higher for clear vertical grain (CVG).
Wood Age Estimate
40-60 years based on heavy checking, multiple layers of failing paint, and deep silver-grey oxidation of the fibers.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; Not listed in CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be brittle; prone to splintering and 'shelling' of the latewood. Glues and finishes reasonably well if the surface is cleaned of oxidation.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when freshly cut; high strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood; high split potential along grain lines.
Finish Recommendations
Solid color stain or high-quality exterior primer/paint for weathered surfaces; penetrating oils if sanded back to fresh wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct separation of earlywood/latewood bands, the specific style of longitudinal checking, and its use as a structural timber are diagnostic of Douglas Fir.