Hi Chris, I have a Simpson entry door and Loewen windows in my home, both of these two are manufactured with vertical grain douglas fir.

After completing a test of my finishing schedule, the sample showed me that on my particular project the pre-stain conditioner did nothing so being non-essential that step was skipped.

I began by applying some Sherwin Williams Sher-Wood stain over the factory finish sanded raw wood. Additional sanding may have the potential to increase the chances for color blotching so try to avoid if possible. After fully drying, one thin coat of sanding sealer was applied and allowed to dry before filling any nail holes with a matching colored putty. After smoothing this fill, two thin coats of a semi-gloss oil based spar varnish were brushed on.

I did not have any problems with blotching anywhere in the project and the results are the fine furniture finish I desired. Like they often say, your mileage may vary. Enjoy your new woodwork!