Douglas-fir (pallet lumber)
Also called: Douglas fir, Doug fir, DF-L, Douglas-fir–larch
Douglas-fir is a dense, strong softwood from western North America, also grown in Europe. It is species class 11 (Douglas-fir–larch) in the Uniform Standard and PDS, and class 33 in the European species list.
In depth: Pallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specify
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is not a true fir, which is why the name is often hyphenated. It is one of the main structural softwoods of the US and Canadian West and is used for pallet stringers and deckboards where it is local.
Species classes
| List | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Standard / PDS (North America) | 11, Douglas-fir–larch | Medium/high density |
| PDS international | 33, dense European softwoods (Douglas-fir, larch, pine) | Medium/high density |
A published PDS block-pallet example specifies "European Species Class 33 (Douglas-fir) Standard &BTR".
Why it matters
Douglas-fir sits in the same medium-to-high density sort group as southern yellow pine and the oaks. That means designers can use smaller parts than with SPF for the same load. It is widely available kiln-dried in dimension sizes, so it suits pallets that need to be dry and light. Outside the West it is usually more expensive than local species, so it is rarely used for commodity pallets in the East.
On a spec sheet
Species class "Douglas-fir–Larch" (or "European Species Class 33" on metric sheets), grade, mix percentage and moisture content.
Related
- GlossarySoftwood (pallet lumber)Softwood is lumber from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce and fir. Softwood pallets are lighter and more uniform than hardwood pallets, and they are the norm in Europe and much of the western and southern US.
- GlossarySouthern yellow pine (SYP)Southern yellow pine (SYP) is a group of pine species from the southeastern US (mainly loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and slash pine). It is one of the densest and strongest softwoods used for pallets.
- GlossaryLumber grade (pallet lumber)A lumber grade is a quality class that limits defects such as knots, wane, splits and decay in pallet parts. PDS uses Select, Premium, Standard, Utility and Economy, often as '&BTR' mixes such as Standard & Better.
- GuidesPallet wood species: hardwood vs softwood, and which to specifyMost North American pallets are made from mixed Eastern hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar and others) or softwoods such as Southern yellow pine and SPF. Density drives strength, stiffness, nail holding and weight. Specify a species class or group plus a grade rather than a single species.
- ComparisonsHardwood vs softwood pallets: strength, weight and costChoose hardwood (oak, mixed eastern hardwoods) for heavy loads, rough handling and many trips: it is dense, stiff and holds nails well but is heavier. Choose softwood (southern yellow pine, SPF) for lighter, more uniform, often kiln-dried pallets. Regional supply often decides.
More in Materials
- GlossaryBark (on pallet lumber)Bark is the outer layer of a tree trunk. ISPM 15 requires wood packaging to be made from debarked wood, allowing only small remnants: pieces under 3 cm wide of any length, or wider pieces with a surface area under 50 cm².
- GlossaryCant (pallet lumber)A cant is a log that has been sawn flat on two or four sides. In the pallet industry it usually means the low-grade center of a hardwood log, left after grade lumber is cut from the outside, which is resawn into pallet parts.
- GlossaryComposite block (pallet)A composite block is a pallet block made from wood chips, particles or fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. It does not split like solid wood and, as processed wood, is exempt from ISPM 15 on its own.
- GlossaryCorrugated fiberboard (pallets and slip sheets)Corrugated fiberboard is a board made of a fluted paper medium glued between flat paper liners. It is used for boxes, and in pallet work for corrugated paper pallets, slip sheets, tier sheets and pallet runners.
- GlossaryCut stock (pallet components)Cut stock is lumber already sawn to the finished thickness, width and length of pallet parts, such as 5/8 × 3-1/2 × 40 in deckboards, ready for nailing. It is also called pallet stock or shook.
- GlossaryGalvanizing (steel pallets and fasteners)Galvanizing is coating steel with zinc to protect it from corrosion. Steel pallets are often hot-dip galvanized after fabrication, and galvanized nails, staples and hinges are used where wood pallets or collars see moisture.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 192 words.