Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, darker latewood bands creating a high-contrast cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces and a distinct pinstripe appearance on vertical-grain sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown to orange-brown. Sapwood is a lighter yellowish-white. The color darkens and becomes more orange/red with age and UV exposure. High contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay and rot but is susceptible to insect attack in untreated conditions.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction/timbers, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot (depending on grade and whether it is Clear Vertical Grain).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern production (less than 5 years old) based on the lack of deep oxidation, mill marks, and the light, fresh color of the fibers.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available as FSC certified and sourced from well-managed forests and plantations.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the difference in hardness between earlywood and latewood can cause uneven sanding (washboarding) and tearout during planing if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when freshly cut. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Lacks true resin canals common in pines but contains small, sporadically distributed canals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well; however, a wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the strong contrast between light earlywood and dark latewood, combined with the specific reddish-orange hue and softwood texture visible in the end-grain transition, are diagnostic of Douglas Fir.