2.2: Hardwood and Softwood

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2.2 Hardwood and Softwood

Trees used for lumber are commonly divided into two broad classifications: hardwoods and softwoods.

These names can be misleading. They describe the type of tree—not necessarily how physically hard or soft the lumber will be.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this section, you should be able to:

Explain the basic distinction between hardwoods and softwoods.
Identify common examples of each.
Explain why the terms hardwood and softwood do not describe actual hardness.
Recognize that different species have different working properties.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods come from broad-leafed trees, or angiosperms.

Common hardwoods used in woodworking include:

Alder
Ash
Birch
Cherry
Mahogany
Maple
Oak
Poplar
Walnut

Hardwoods are widely used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, millwork, architectural woodwork, and many other woodworking applications.

Their cellular structure is generally more complex than that of softwoods.

Softwoods

Softwoods come from coniferous trees, or gymnosperms. These trees commonly have needles or scale-like leaves.

Examples include:

Pine
Fir
Hemlock

Softwoods are widely used in construction, but they are also used in furniture, millwork, musical instruments, pattern making, and many other forms of woodworking.

Hardwood Does Not Mean Hard

Do not assume that every hardwood is physically harder than every softwood.

One hardwood species may be relatively soft and easy to machine, while another may be extremely dense and difficult to cut. The same is true of softwoods.

The terms hardwood and softwood classify the trees from which the lumber came.

When choosing material for a project, consider the properties of the individual species rather than relying only on its classification.

Species Matter

Different species can vary significantly in:

color;
grain;
texture;
density;
hardness;
strength;
workability;
durability; and
appearance.

These differences are one reason wood selection is an important part of woodworking.

A species that is excellent for a tabletop may not be the best choice for a carved part, outdoor furniture, drawer sides, or a tool handle.

As you gain experience, you will begin to recognize species not only by appearance but also by how they machine, sand, glue, and finish.

Check Yourself

What type of tree produces hardwood?
What type of tree produces softwood?
Does the term hardwood guarantee that the wood is physically hard?
Name three properties that can vary between wood species.
Why should you select wood by species and properties rather than classification alone?

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