Top 5 Important Differences between Hardwood and Softwood

Wood is either described as hardwood or softwood depending on its plant reproduction.

Hardwood springs from angiosperm or flowering plants like Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood, and Walnut.

Softwood originates from gymnosperm trees, for instance, Pine, Cypress, and Cedar.

The Differences between Hardwood and Softwood

1. Uses

About 80% of timber is softwood and is used in most construction projects as housing finishes like doors and windows while hardwood is mostly used in building high-quality furniture, flooring, decks, and for long-lasting construction.

2. Density

Compared to softwood, hardwood has a higher density than softwood; thus, softwood is lighter than hardwood.

3. Growth

Various hardwood growth rate varies, but they take a more extended period to mature than softwood. Softwood takes a shorter time to grow.

4. Cost

Due to its strength, hardwood is more expensive than softwood. Softwood is more preferred for construction, probably because it is more affordable.

5. Shedding of Leaves

Softwoods tend to retain their needles throughout the year while hardwoods shed their leaves over some time in winter and summer.

Maintaining Your Timber Features

You can polish your wood structures such as floors, windows, and doors as a maintenance routine to keep them looking bright and new all the time.

Paint your garden timber structures with your favourite paint colours if your garden is prone to insect infection.

It's advisable to use oil paints since they are more durable compared to water paints.

If you need to design your timber structures and you do not know how to go about it, it is essential to seek for professional advice from a wood expert who can advise you on both softwood and hardwood.

Here at Narangba Timber, we are the timber experts.

Contact us today for more information on the best type of wood to use. Our experts are always willing to attend to your timber needs.