The Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood and When to Use Each

If you’ve recently taken on DIY home projects, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a lot to learn. This includes not only learning new skills, but also determining what tools and materials to use for a particular task.

For example, as for wood, there are deciduous and coniferous species. Here’s what you need to know about each type, including which one is best for your project.

Difference between hard and soft wood

It turns out that the difference between hardwood and softwood is based on more than just the density or hardness of the wood itself . “Rather, the type of wood depends on whether it comes from a tree that reproduces by producing cones or from a tree that reproduces by producing flowers,” says Lewis Feldman, Ph.D. , professor of plant biology and executive director of the University of California Botanical Garden in Berkeley.

More specific:

hardwood

• Comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves every fall.
• Angiosperms , meaning the seeds of a tree are enclosed in a fruit.
• The grain becomes more visible and distinctive.
• Heavier in weight
• Darker in color
• Takes longer to grow and mature
• Usually more expensive
• Tougher
• More resistant to rotting
• Examples: oak, birch, maple, hickory, ash, beech, walnut, teak, mahogany.

Coniferous wood

• Comes from conifers – evergreen trees with needles and cones.
• Gymnosperms , meaning the seeds are not enclosed.
• The graininess is less noticeable and pronounced.
• Lighter in weight
• Lighter colors
• Requires less time to grow and mature
• Usually more affordable
• More flexible
• Less resistant to rotting
• Examples: pine, hemlock, spruce, fir, cedar, rosewood.

Both hardwood and softwood are considered “hard” wood, meaning they are made from trees and consist of a single piece of wood. Engineered wood, on the other hand, is a combination of wood chips and sawdust that have been heated, glued and compressed in a factory.

When to use hardwood over softwood?

Here are some examples of using each type of wood :

hardwood

• Construction (eg timber frame buildings)
• Flooring
• Fencing
• Terrace board
• High class furniture
• Top class veneers
• Outdoor use

Coniferous wood

• Doors
• Ceilings
• Window frames
• Moldings
• Construction components, fixtures and fittings
• Roof and interior wall structures
• DIY crafts
• Photo frame
• Firewood
• Wood carving

Furniture and cabinets can be made from hardwood, softwood or engineered wood. Hardwood furniture tends to be the most durable and expensive, followed by softwood and engineered wood items, respectively.