Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with flat-sawn cathedral patterns visible; notable for distinct growth rings and medium to coarse texture with small, tight knots.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a yellowish-white sapwood. Shows moderate luster and typically darkens to a more orange-red hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
General construction, heavy structural timbers, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and location.
Wood Age Estimate
New milled lumber; less than 1 year post-harvest based on lack of oxidation and fresh planed surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; major plantation crop.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can exhibit tearout during planing and splinters easily. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut; high strength-to-weight ratio; susceptible to closed-grain blotching if not pre-conditioned before staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based stains. A wood conditioner is highly recommended to prevent patchy absorption due to varying density between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; identified by the characteristic grain spacing, light reddish-brown hue, and the specific appearance of the small knots typical of construction-grade Douglas Fir.