Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figure and distinct growth rings showing high contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from orange-red to yellowish-brown with lighter pinkish-white sapwood. This sample shows significant darkening from a torch-burned (shou sugi ban) or stained finish, highlighting the latewood.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Construction framing, heavy timbers, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and decorative rustic items like this candle holder or flight board.
Geographic Origin
Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $5.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The raw wood appears to be modern kiln-dried stock, though the charring treatment and finish give it an aged, distressed appearance.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification and considered a highly sustainable commercial species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the high contrast in ring density can lead to uneven sanding or tearout in latewood. Holds fasteners and glue well.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous/sweet scent when cut. Notable for its high strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains or polyurethane. This specific piece has likely been charred and finished with a clear coat or wax to seal the carbon and highlight the grain contrast.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, dark latewood bands and the specific way the wood reacts to charring/staining are characteristic of Douglas Fir or Larch, with Douglas Fir being the most common choice for this type of craftwork.