Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with very distinct, prominent growth rings. The transition from earlywood to latewood is abrupt, creating a high-contrast linear pattern when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a reddish-orange hue. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood tends to redden or darken significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to decay but is susceptible to insect attack. It is highly valued for structural stability.
Common Uses
Heavy structural timber, framing, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains) and widely planted in Europe and New Zealand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Vertical Grain/Clear grades are more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut specimen; the growth rings indicate the tree was approximately 35-40 years old at the time of harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification and considered a sustainable, abundant resource.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can exhibit tearout during surfacing. Responds well to glues and finishes, but the resin content can sometimes clog abrasives.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. It has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any softwood species. Resin canals are present but small.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. A sealer or wood conditioner is recommended before staining to prevent blotching due to density differences between earlywood and latewood.
Identification Confidence
High; the abrupt transition between earlywood and latewood, the reddish-orange hue of the heartwood, and the specific ring structure are classic indicators of Douglas Fir.