Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Western North America and Pacific Northwest region.
- Hardness
- 710 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with distinct flat-sawn cathedral patterns showing high contrast between earlywood and latewood growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a narrower yellowish-white sapwood. The color darkens significantly to a deeper amber or reddish tone over time when exposed to UV light and oxidation.
Hardness (Janka)
710 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and vertical grain quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years based on surface oxidation, dryness, and checking.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed and generally of least concern according to the IUCN. Widely available and sustainably managed in plantations.
Common Uses
Structural framing, plywood, construction, flooring, doors, beams, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America and Pacific Northwest region.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the strong density contrast between earlywood and latewood can occasionally cause uneven planing or sanding if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, oils, and polyurethane well. Pre-conditioning may be required for even stain absorption on the uneven grain.
Notable Features
High strength-to-weight ratio, distinct resin canals, and a characteristic fresh pine-like or slightly sweet resinous scent.
