Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Strictly straight, vertical (quartersawn) grain. Exhibits very tight, even spacing of growth rings with distinct latewood bands. No visible figure or knots.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a yellowish cast. The latewood bands are darker reddish-brown. It tends to darken or redden significantly with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. While it has some natural resistance to decay and rot, it is susceptible to insect attack and not suitable for direct ground contact without treatment.
Common Uses
Structural construction, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, window frames, and boat building for masts/booms.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot for high-grade Vertical Grain (CVG) stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary. The lack of patina and the uniformity of the color suggest modern milling within the last 10-20 years.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified by IUCN as Least Concern. Readily available as FSC certified, making it a highly sustainable choice.
Workability
Excellent for hand and machine tools. Cuts and planes easily, though the hard latewood bands can cause uneven wear or sanding if not careful. Gluing and finishing are straightforward.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. High strength-to-weight ratio among softwoods. Possesses high resin content which can sometimes bleed through finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to protect the soft surface. A sanding sealer is often recommended to ensure even stain absorption and to lock in resins.
Identification Confidence
High. The extremely straight, parallel growth rings and the specific contrast between the light earlywood and dark latewood are characteristic of old-growth Vertical Grain Douglas Fir.