Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn with prominent growth ring transitions; exhibits slightly wavy character around the resin pocket
Color Description
Light brown to yellowish heartwood with a hint of red; sapwood is pale white to yellow. Darks significantly to a reddish-tan with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack if untreated
Common Uses
Residential construction, heavy timbers, plywood, flooring, and exterior joinery/decking
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $4.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain commands higher prices)
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary construction grade; likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on fresh oxidation and mill marks
Sustainability Status
Not threatened; IUCN Least Concern; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though latewood can be hard and brittle causing splintering; resins can clog sandpaper
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; notable for its high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods; visible pitch pocket with crystallizing resin
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane; requires a sealer/conditioner if staining to avoid blotchiness due to varying density in growth rings
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between earlywood and latewood, coupled with the large, crystallized resin pocket and color, is characteristic of Douglas Fir