Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Vertical grain (quartersawn) showing very straight, tight, and uniform growth rings with prominent latewood bands.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with lighter tan sapwood. High contrast between earlywood and latewood. Tends to redden or darken with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some natural resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Sash and door manufacturing, flooring, heavy timber construction, boat building, and high-end veneer applications.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot for high-grade vertical grain (VG) stock.
Wood Age Estimate
The tight growth rings suggest 'Old Growth' or slow-grown timber; the surface oxidation indicates the wood is likely a few years post-milling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally works well with machine tools, though it can be prone to splintering and breakout. Gluing and finishing are typically straightforward, though it has high resin content.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when worked; very high strength-to-weight ratio; latewood bands are significantly harder than earlywood.
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane or oil-based finishes work well to highlight the grain. Sanding sealer is recommended to prevent uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very straight vertical grain, characteristic reddish-brown latewood lines, and even growth spacing is diagnostic for high-quality Douglas Fir.