Timber Types Hardwood And Softwood

Hardwoods are generally far more resistant to decay than softwoods when used for exterior work.

Timber types hardwood and softwood. Naturally darker in. Hardwoods are sourced from broad leaved trees. The differences between hardwood and softwood lies in their origin physical structure quality and uses. Softwoods come from conifer trees or cone bearing trees.

These are usually broad leaved temperate and tropical forests. Softwoods aren t weaker than hardwoods. Similarly wood from the yew tree which is one of the toughest woods and is harder than most types of oak is classified as softwood. Some common types of hardwoods include oak teak iroko and meranti.

Wood is categorized as either softwood or hardwood based on physical structure and makeup. Common hardwood species include oak maple cherry mahogany and walnut. For example balsa wood is known as one of the softest and least dense types of wood yet it is categorized as hardwood. In addition to siding our ipe california redwood western red cedar and pressure treated timbers can also be used in large commercial or residential projects where both strength and appearance of exposed wood are of equal importance.

Softwoods come from coniferous trees such as cedar fir and pine and tend to be somewhat yellow or reddish. Because most coniferous trees grow fast and straight softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods. The terms hardwood and softwood do not indicate the softness or hardness of particular timbers. Simply categorising hardwood as hard and softwood as soft is not the best approach.

The term may also be used for the trees in which the wood is derived. Hardwood species are not always necessarily stronger than softwoods but many species are well known for their beautiful and distinct wood grain patterns. North american softwood species have needle shaped foliage instead of the leaves found on hardwood trees. Typically they grow slower and are thicker than softwoods.

The differences between the timbers relates to the botanical aspect of the wood the way in which the timer grows and is laid down. All of our hardwood and softwood siding orders are custom milled in our warehouse with quick deliveries available. There are hardwoods that are softer and lighter than softwoods. There are also some woods which are considered to be hardwoods that are not deciduous trees such as bamboo and palm.

Hardwoods are also stronger and more durable due to their more condensed and complex structure. As evidenced by the table above alder and balsa are soft hardwoods while juniper and yew are hard softwoods. Hardwood has a more complex structure than different types of softwood and is often much slower growing as a result.