Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain; flat-sawn displaying characteristic wide, darker latewood bands which create a distinct feathered or cathedral appearance. Texture is medium to coarse with a slight oily feel.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-orange hue; sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows a warm honey-brown tone likely enhanced by an oil-based finish or aged oxidation. It darkens significantly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. Stronger and more durable than most other domestic softwoods.
Common Uses
Structural timber, heavy construction, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, primarily the Pacific Northwest (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades are more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears recently milled (within 5-10 years) but the tight growth rings suggest it came from a slow-growing or mature tree. Surface patination suggests it has been stored or finished recently.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests (FSC certified sources common).
Workability
Works well with machine tools but can be prone to splintering or tearing. It glues and finishes well, though its high resin content can occasionally cause bleeding through finishes if not properly dried.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood species. High contrast between earlywood and latewood rings is a primary identifier.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethanes work best. Use of a wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotchiness between the varying densities of the grain rings.
Identification Confidence
High; the prominent latewood bands, warm reddish-brown undertone, and specific grain spacing are prototypical of North American Douglas Fir.