What is the difference between Douglas fir and hardwood?
The Wood Guide · Choosing and comparing
Side by sideDouglas fir or hardwood?
Both are widely used in construction and furniture making, but they are two very different things. The fundamental difference lies in the tree they come from.
- Douglas fir: softwood, class 3
- Hardwood: broadleaf wood, class 1 to 5
- Price follows growth rate
Douglas fir or hardwood?
Both are widely used in construction and furniture making, but they are two very different things. The fundamental difference lies in the tree they come from.
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Conifer versus broadleaf tree
Douglas fir is softwood; hardwood is the collective name for wood from broadleaf trees. Everything that follows — structure, durability, price — stems from that.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
- Comes from the Douglas fir, a conifer native to North America that is now also widely grown in Europe.
- The trees grow large: up to sixty metres in Europe, even taller in their natural habitat.
- Fast growth, which keeps it relatively affordable.
Broadleaf trees — angiosperms
- Deciduous trees that produce seeds protected by a fruit or casing.
- Well-known species: oak, teak, mahogany, iroko, acacia, meranti.
- Grows worldwide, from tropical rainforest to temperate forest — and therefore with widely varying properties.
Structure and appearance
Douglas fir is fairly recognisable; hardwood varies greatly by species — and that is what makes it so versatile aesthetically.
| Characteristic | Douglas fir wood | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Light brown to reddish brown | Varies greatly by species; light to dark |
| Grain | Medium to coarse | Fine to coarse, depending on the species |
| Grain direction | Straight, sometimes slightly wavy | Straight, interlocked or wavy |
| Knots | Often has them | Variable; some species many, others none |
| Texture | Rough to moderately smooth | From fine to very smooth |
Durability and mechanical properties
This is where the differences are clearest. Douglas fir has fixed, recognisable values; hardwood has a wide spread, simply because it covers dozens of species.
| Characteristic | Douglas fir wood | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Durability class | Class 3 — moderately durable | Class 1 (very durable) to 5 (not durable) |
| Density | ±500–600 kg/m³ | Varies greatly; on average 600–1,200 kg/m³ |
| Bending strength | Moderate to good | Generally high, depending on the species |
| Modulus of elasticity | ±12,000 N/mm² | Varies greatly by species |
| Workability | Easy to work | From easy to difficult |
| Resin content | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
This distinction between softwood and broadleaf wood runs through the whole world of timber. Feel free to read more about hardwood versus softwood or about properties and uses by species.
What do you choose for what?
Both have their strengths. Douglas fir is a reliable building partner; hardwood more often goes into uses that have to last for decades.
| Use | Douglas fir wood | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Building structures | Beams, posts, window frames, roof structures, fences | Beams, posts, window frames, high-end building uses |
| Interior | Furniture, floors, stairs, wall panelling | High-quality furniture, floors, stairs, veneer |
| Outdoor structures | Garden sheds, pergolas, decking — provided it is treated | Cladding, decking, outdoor furniture — usually more durable |
| Specific | Exterior joinery such as windows and doors | Shipbuilding, art objects, luxury decoration |
What it comes down to
The choice depends on three things: how much maintenance you want to do, how it should look, and what you want to spend.
Affordable and workable
- Growth rate: faster than most hardwood species, which makes it relatively affordable.
- Durability: moderately durable — for long-term outdoor use it needs treatment against fungi and insects.
- Resin content: higher than in hardwood, which can bleed and affects the finish.
For Douglas fir garden benches and outdoor kitchens we use Douglas fir heartwood, which reaches class 3 and weathers beautifully to grey. For furniture you want to leave alone for decades, we choose hardwood. And for picnic tables: pressure-treated spruce in the KING range — light enough to move, strong enough for everyday use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Douglas fir a hardwood?
No. Douglas fir comes from the Douglas fir tree, a conifer, so botanically it is softwood. Hardwood is the collective name for wood from broadleaf trees such as oak, teak and iroko. The name refers to the type of tree, not to the hardness of the wood itself.
Why does Douglas fir need treatment outdoors?
With durability class 3, Douglas fir is moderately durable. For long-term outdoor use it needs protection against fungi and insects. Many hardwood species reach class 1 and can be used outdoors untreated — although that varies greatly by species.
Why is hardwood usually more expensive?
Douglas fir grows faster than most hardwood species, which makes it relatively affordable. Hardwood grows more slowly and is generally more durable, which puts it in a higher segment — worth it for uses that have to last a long time.
What does the high resin content of Douglas fir mean?
Douglas fir contains a moderate to high amount of resin. That can bleed and affect the finish — especially in warm weather, when resin can bead out of a knot. Bear that in mind when painting or varnishing.
Which is better for decking?
Both can work. Douglas fir is affordable and weathers beautifully to grey, but it needs attention. Hardwood in class 1 or 2 lasts longer without maintenance. The full trade-off is in the best wood species for decking.
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Pseudotsuga menziesii — Philipp Zinger, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Quercus — Firma TELEYKO, CC0