Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral figure and dense, latewood growth rings; straight-grained but uneven texture due to contrasting earlywood and latewood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown transitioning to a yellowish tint; sapwood is lighter and pale. Tends to redden or darken to a deep orangish-brown with age and UV exposure. Moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay and insects but generally not suitable for direct ground contact without treatment.
Common Uses
Structural framing, heavy construction, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, and trim work. Frequently used for interior millwork and plywood.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia to California.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Between $4.00 and $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear) and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely from within the last 20-30 years, though the tight growth rings suggest it was harvested from a mature old-growth or high-density second-growth stand.
Sustainability Status
Widely available and not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; frequently FSC-certified and managed sustainably.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though the density difference between earlywood and latewood can cause 'washboarding' during sanding or uneven absorption of stains. Paints and glues well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct resinous, sweet balsamic scent when worked. High strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood. Known for producing 'splinters' that can be brittle.
Finish Recommendations
Resin-based finishes or film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended. A pre-stain wood conditioner is highly advised to prevent blotchiness and uneven staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct 'cathedral' arch pattern, visible contrast between dark latewood lines and light earlywood, and the specific reddish-yellow hue are classic hallmarks of Douglas Fir.