Softwood Vs Hardwood

Hardwood and softwood are two types of wood, which can differ in their density. In general, hardwoods are denser than softwoods. However, some softwood can be denser and harder than some hardwood. In fact, density and hardness are not the criteria for classifying wood into hardwood and softwood. The main criteria of classifying wood into hardwood and softwood is the type of tree from which wood is obtained. So, let's find out the basic difference between softwood and hardwood, as well as softwood vs hardwood in the following paragraphs of this article.

Softwood Vs Hardwood

Softwood is more readily available and less expensive than hardwood, which is why it accounts for about 80% of the world's timber production. The term 'softwood' is basically used to refer to the woods from gymnosperm trees such as, conifers. So, softwood is obtained from trees like, pine, cedar, cypress, redwood, spruce and larch. Most of the gymnosperms are evergreen trees and the term softwood is also used to refer to the wood obtained from evergreen trees.

On the other hand, hardwood is obtained from angiosperm trees, most of which are deciduous trees. The basic difference between angiosperm and gymnosperms is that the seeds of gymnosperms are not protected by any kind of covering, while angiosperm trees produce seeds that remain covered with some sort of covering. Examples of hardwoods are, oak, maple, ash, mahogany, cherry, teak and birch.

At the microscopic level, softwoods and hardwoods can differ in their structure. In softwood, only two types of cells can be found and these are known as longitudinal wood fibers and transverse ray cells. Softwoods lack vessels for water transport, which however, can be found in hardwoods. The vessels in hardwoods can discerned as pores. As far as application of these two types of woods are concerned, softwoods are more suitable to be used in the construction of buildings, paper making, wood furniture, printmaking and mill work, while hardwoods are usually preferred for making furniture, flooring, utensils and construction.

Softwood Vs Hardwood Pellets

Wood pellets are basically made from compressed woods, and are used in pellet stoves. They are made from both softwood and hardwood. Hardwood usually has low moisture content and hence, pellets made from hardwood tend to burn longer. Hardwood pellets produce more coals or denser ash, but steady heat. On the other hand, softwood pellets produce more heat initially. Compared to hardwood pellets, softwood pellets are easier to light, for which they are ideal for making kindling and also for campfire. Hardwood pellets can be used for cooking, as they can give steady heat for a long time. However, it is important to note that the process of making pellets can almost equalize the heat value, as well as the burn times of both softwood and hardwood pellets. Therefore, what is more important is to purchase pellets of high quality, which are made only from compressed wood and do not contain paper and bark.

Softwood Vs Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is usually considered more preferable for flooring than softwood. However, that does not mean that all hardwoods are equally suitable for wood flooring. Maple, oak, teak, cherry, mahogany, walnut, and elm are the woods that are more commonly used for hardwood flooring. Compared to hardwood floors, softwood floors are less expensive and they can look very attractive with slightly softer texture than hardwood floors. But, they can dent easily than hardwood floors. The most important point to be taken into account while choosing a particular type of wood for a project is whether the wood can meet the requirement of the project. Flooring is a project that demands strength, density and durability. So, you have to choose the type of wood, that can meet these requirements.

So, this is all about softwood vs hardwood. Basically, the choice between softwood and hardwood depends on the specific project and its requirement. Some projects can require softwood, while others may necessitate the use of hardwood. In general, softwood are great for intricate woodworking, as they are easy to work with. To sum up, you can find a large number of varieties in softwoods and hardwoods with wide variations in their hardness and density. So, while choosing wood for a particular project, you have to make sure that the wood has even grain, does not have splits and excessive knots and strong enough to serve the purpose for which it is used. If you have any doubt, then you can always talk to a professional or lumberyard about the various types of wood and their applications.