Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and plain with a coarse, uneven texture. In this flat-sawn sample, it shows prominent, abrupt transitions between earlywood and latewood rings, forming a light wavy/cathedral pattern.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically yellowish to reddish-brown, while sapwood is lighter cream to pale yellow. This sample shows the characteristic orange-pink tint common in freshly planed Douglas Fir. It will darken to a deeper reddish-brown or silver-gray if exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Veneer, plywood, structural timbers, flooring, window and door frames, cabinetry, and heavy construction framing.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (Vertical grain or clear stock commands higher prices).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock (0-5 years); the surface lacks the deep oxidation or graying associated with aged timber, suggesting it is a recently surfaced board.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. However, the abrupt density change between earlywood and latewood can cause splitting during nailing or uneven sanding. It glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among softwoods. Contains natural resins that can occasionally gum up sandpaper or blades.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well. A pre-stain conditioner is recommended if using dark stains to prevent blotchiness. Polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are common choices.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct transition between the light earlywood and the hard, dark latewood bands, combined with the characteristic salmon-pink color, is diagnostic for Douglas Fir.