The classification of hard and soft wood is not made by the density of the wood itself, but rather by the reproduction of the trees the wood comes from. Trees may either be angiosperms or gymnosperms, meaning that they either produce their seeds in protective coverings or allow their seeds to fall to the ground and spread in the wind. Hardwood trees are angiosperms, while softwood trees are gymnosperms.
Hardwood and softwood lumber both have a variety of uses, and the difference you will note as a consumer is cost. Both hard and soft woods can be used indoors and outdoors if the wood has been treated properly. Softwoods will tend to be less expensive because they grow faster and reproduce in greater quantities. This is because their unprotected seeds are free to scatter longer distances, covering more area where the trees grow.
Typically, softwood is used in building construction and in homes for kitchen cabinets and doors. The lower cost is appealing for builders and homeowners, and the quick growth of softwood trees makes them a sustainable source of building materials. Popular softwood lumber types include Redwood, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar. Hardwood is often used for floors, furniture, decking, and trimming. Some of the best-quality hardwoods include Ipe and Mangaris, both imported from tropical areas and therefore highly resistant to rot and deterioration from insects.
It’s important to consider the density of the lumber you are using, particularly for projects like wood flooring or decking—but keep in mind that this information will not necessarily be related to the classifications of hardwood and softwood.
For hardwood and softwood lumber to fit any project you take on, visit J&W Lumber. We have a superior selection of lumber for all of your home projects, from garden boxes to outdoor decking. Come check out one of our six Southern California locations to see our selection for yourself. To learn more about us, visit our website or call us at (760) 741-8776.
It’s good to know that projects like flooring and decking usually use hardwood. My husband and I really like the look of wood floors and want to have them installed in our living and dining rooms next month. Thanks for teaching me more about the types of wood so we can pick the best material to have installed for our new flooring.