Wood description:
Douglas belongs to average hard wood, as larch it is for hardness slightly above soft wood ( Brindell Hardness 20 N/mm2 ). Sapwood is narrow and definitely separated from heartwood. Douglas wood contains a high portion of thin growth rings, this is what impart a lighter colour to heartwood. A redder wood with clear and striped plainsawn patterns ( cathedrals ) is characteristic if growth rings are wider.

Histological structure:
Grain: straight, sometimes wavy ;
Texture: medium to uniform.

Characteristic defects:
If growth rings are wide, it is easily inclined to checks.

Permeability:
impermeable heartwood, permeable sapwood.

Working properties:
Sawing: trouble-free;
Drying: slow;
Planing: easy;
Glueing: easy;
Nailing and screwing: pre-boring absolutely necessary;
Finishing: easy.

Main uses:
Construction work;
Furniture;
Interior and exterior carpentry;
Ship building and harbour work;
Chipwood and plywood.

Mechanical properties:
Tensil strength : 860 kg/cm²
Compressive strength : 525 kg/cm²

Specific weight:
green 700 kg/m³ , dried 500 kg/ m³.