Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, medium-to-coarse texture with a prominent cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces; exhibits distinct growth rings with a sharp transition between light-colored earlywood and darker, denser latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light reddish-brown to a yellowish-tan color. Sapwood is typically a narrow band of yellowish-white. The wood displays a moderate luster and tends to darken/redden significantly when exposed to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Slightly Durable; possesses moderate resistance to rot and fungal decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Heavy structural construction (beams, glulam, trusses), flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, plywood, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely naturalized in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 to $4.50 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear being more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (likely less than 10-20 years old) based on the fresh appearance of the fibers, lack of deep oxidation/patina, and standard modern mill marks visible on the rough-cut edge.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available from FSC-certified sources and managed timberlands.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the sharp difference in density between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding and tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires a sealer to prevent blotching.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, resinous, and sweet evergreen scent when worked. Known for having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood species.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based polyurethanes, lacquer, and shellac. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended to ensure even pigment absorption due to the varied density of the growth rings.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct transition from light earlywood to the darker, distinct bands of latewood, the reddish-orange hue, and the characteristic coarse grain texture are definitive markers of Douglas Fir.