Hardwoods and Softwoods

Softwoods

Softwoods come from coniferous trees which have needles instead of leaves. Softwoods grow faster than hardwoods and so are cheaper they are also easier to work with as they are softer than hardwood. These are supplied in standard sections sawn and planned smooth. Softwood sizes are confusing because they are smaller once they are planned.

Scots Pine

Pine needles Softwood properties:

• Softwoods come from coniferous trees.
• Softwoods are special because they don’t lose their needles.
• Softwoods have needles instead of leaves.
• Softwoods grow faster than hardwood so are cheaper.
• Often used as building material.
• Trees grow tall and straight which makes it easier for the manufacturer to cut long straight planks of wood.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods come from deciduous or broad-leafed trees. They are generally slow growing which tends to make them harder and more expensive. Please note though that not all hardwoods are hard, Balsa which is very soft and is often used for model planes is in fact a balsa wood! Hardwoods are sold by the cubic metre then this is sawn to the size the customer requires. Some timber is machined into many sections called mouldings for example, dowel, beading, etc.

Beech tree Oak Leaf Hardwoods properties:

• Hardwoods are usually have broad leaves.
• Hardwoods come from deciduous or broad-leafed trees.
• Hardwoods are special as they are deciduous this means they lose their leaves.
• You can distinguish hardwoods by the structure of the wood grain.
• Hardwoods grow slower than softwoods so they are more expensive.
• Hardwoods include Ash, Beech, Oak, Balsa, Teak and Mahogany.