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In general, hardwoods come from deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually, and softwood comes from a conifer, which remains evergreen throughout the year.

Hardwoods tend to be slower growing and are usually more dense.

Softwood usually grows in huge tracts of trees which may spread for miles, while hardwoods tend to be found mixed with a variety of other species, except in North America where HUGE stands of hardwood trees can extend across entire states.

Softwood comes from a type of tree known as a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms reproduce by forming cones which emit pollen to be spread by the wind to other trees. Pollinated trees form naked seeds which are dropped to the ground or borne along the wind so that new trees can grow elsewhere. Some examples of softwood include pine, redwood, fir, cedar, and larch.

A hardwood is an angiosperm, which means that it makes enclosed seeds or fruits. Angiosperms usually form flowers to reproduce. Birds and insects attracted to the flowers carry the pollen to other trees, and when fertilized the trees form fruits such as apples or nuts and seeds like acorns and walnuts. Hardwoods include maple, balsa, oak, elm, mahogany, and sycamore.

Hardwoods are more difficult to work because they are hard, but they are also more durable than soft woods.


Soft woods are typically harvested from conifers Soft wood varieties include: pine, cedar, and fir. Spruce is also a soft wood, but is not typically used for construction or cabinet making. Hardwoods are typically harvested from deciduous (leaf-bearing) trees. Common hardwoods are oak, ash, maple, walnut, cherry, poplar, and elm. While balsa wood and cork are relatively soft, they are still hardwood products. Balsa is the wood harvested from the balsawood tree, while cork is the bark harvested from cork oak trees.
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Are softwoods expensive?

Softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods because they grow faster and are more abundant. However, the price of softwoods can vary depending on factors such as the species, quality, and market demand. Overall, softwoods are typically more affordable compared to hardwoods.


What are the 3 main groups of timber?

The three main groups of timber are hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered woods. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and are typically denser and more durable, making them suitable for furniture and flooring. Softwoods come from coniferous trees and are generally less dense, making them ideal for construction and paper production. Engineered woods are manufactured by binding together wood fibers or particles, providing a more stable and versatile material for various applications.


Is obeche a softwood?

No, obeche is a hardwood from the tropical forests of Africa. Hardwoods are typically denser and heavier than softwoods.


What wood when burned leaves the most ash?

Hardwoods such as oak and hickory tend to leave more ash when burned compared to softwoods like pine or spruce. Hardwoods have a higher density, which results in more leftover ash after burning.


How well do softwoods absorb water?

Softwoods, such as pine and spruce, have open cell structures that allow them to absorb water readily. Their absorbency can vary depending on the type of softwood and its specific characteristics, but generally, softwoods absorb water more easily than hardwoods. This property can make softwoods more susceptible to warping, swelling, and rot when exposed to moisture for extended periods.

Related Questions

What is difference between hardwoods and softwoods in the winter?

Many hardwoods are evergreen, which means they don't lose all their leaves in winter. Many softwoods, such as pines and conifers, are deciduous, which means they lose all their leaves in winter.


What is the difference between hardwoods and softwoods in terms of their characteristics and uses?

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and have a more complex structure, making them denser and stronger than softwoods, which come from coniferous trees. Hardwoods are often used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, while softwoods are commonly used for construction, paper products, and furniture framing because of their affordability and workability.


What are the two types of wood?

its hardwoods and softwoods


What are the main differences between a hardwood and a softwood?

Most hardwoods are deciduous and most softwoods are conifers.


What are the main differences between softwoods and hardwoods in terms of their characteristics and uses?

Softwoods come from coniferous trees and have a lower density, making them lighter and easier to work with. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and are denser, making them stronger and more durable. Softwoods are commonly used for construction, while hardwoods are often used for furniture and flooring due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.


Do hardwoods burn quicker than softwoods?

yes


What makes hardwoods stronger than softwoods?

fabric that are made of


What tree is softwoods made from?

Softwoods are from needle-leaf trees like pines and firs. Hardwoods are from broadleaf trees.


Are softwoods expensive?

Softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods because they grow faster and are more abundant. However, the price of softwoods can vary depending on factors such as the species, quality, and market demand. Overall, softwoods are typically more affordable compared to hardwoods.


What distinguishes hardwoods from softwoods in terms of their characteristics and uses?

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and have a more complex structure, making them denser and stronger than softwoods, which come from coniferous trees. Hardwoods are often used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, while softwoods are commonly used for construction, paper products, and furniture framing.


What are the hardwood trees?

Trees such as Oak, Maple, Mahogany, and Willow are hardwoods. Note that pine trees are NOT hardwoods but softwoods.


Is eastern white pine a softwood?

All pines are Softwood - including Eastern White Pine. Softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. In both groups there is an enormous variation in actual wood hardness, with the range in density in hardwoods completely including that of softwoods; some hardwoods (e.g. balsa) are softer than most softwoods, while the hardest hardwoods are much harder than any softwood.