Wood Guide
Douglas‑fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Strong for its weight with a warm straw color and prominent growth rings. A framing mainstay that also shines in exposed beams and doors.
Overview
Contrast between earlywood and latewood yields a striped effect on flatsawn faces.
Maker’s note: Resin can gum up blades; clean often and use sharp carbide.
Appearance
Heartwood
Straw Brown
Straw Brown
Sapwood
Pale Cream
Pale Cream
Grain
Straight
Texture Medium
Luster Low
Properties
Janka hardness
620 lbf
620 lbf
Density
530 kg/m³
530 kg/m³
MOR
88 MPa
88 MPa
Crushing strength
50 MPa
50 MPa
Shrink (radial)
4.9%
4.9%
Shrink (tangential)
7.6%
7.6%
Shrink (volumetric)
12%
12%
Movement
Moderate
Moderate
Steam bending
Good
Good
Values are typical; verify with your supplier.
Workability & Safety
Machining
Latewood is hard; avoid aggressive planing to reduce washboarding.
Hand tools
Sharp planes needed across dense latewood; skew the cut to reduce chatter.
Turning
Turns cleanly but latewood ridges can telegraph; sand thoroughly.
Sanding schedule 120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Gluing Good
Finishing notes Takes clear and stains; gel stains even out ring contrast.
Silica present
Blunting effect Medium
Food contact OK
Toxicity flags
Toxicity notes Resin can be an irritant; use dust control.
Sourcing & Sustainability
Extensive PNW supply; FSC and reclaimed options common.
FSC available
Pricing —
Notes: Construction grades economical; clear vertical grain is premium priced. • Updated:
Uses & Positioning
Avoid for Fine carving and food prep
Use for structure and exposed joinery; select CVG for doors and trim.
Gallery
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