If you are looking for a company that can provide quality timber frames and trusses for your project, look no further than Wadsworth Joinery. Our engineered timber wall frames and roof trusses are made to order for use in commercial and residential construction.

When it comes to wood, there are many different kinds. Some woods are harder than others. But what exactly does that mean? If a piece of wood is hard, does that also make it dense? Are these properties related in any way? What is the difference between softwood and hardwood?

If you’re reading this article, you are likely interested in one or both of these types of wood. Perhaps you’re considering buying a home that has been built with either softwood or hardwood floors. Or maybe you’ve found employment at a pulp mill and are curious about the different types of wood they use to feed their machines. Either way, let’s get into the details!

Hardwood timber is a type of wood that comes from angiosperm trees. These are flowering plants that produce seeds that are enclosed in an ovary. The term “hardwood” can be misleading because it doesn’t necessarily refer to the hardness of the wood itself.

In fact, some hardwood timber (like balsa wood) are quite soft. Hardwood trees grow in warm, temperate climates and have a high resistance to rot. They tend to grow more quickly than softwoods and are generally denser.

They are typically used as flooring, cabinets, high quality furniture, musical instruments, and paneling in a home’s interior. Hardwood timbers are generally more durable and long-lasting than softwoods, and they can be very beautiful.

Live edge wood is a type of hardwood that is often used as hardwood flooring because it has very interesting, unique grain patterns in it. Be careful, though: it can be more expensive than other types of wood. Generally, hardwoods have darker, richer colours than softwoods.

• oak
• maple
• birch
• cherry

Softwood timber is a type of wood that comes from gymnosperm trees. These are plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary.

Softwood trees grow in cold weather climates. They tend to be used more often for building construction. These trees are generally smaller than hardwoods and grow more slowly, making them less dense.

Softwood timber is typically lighter in colour than hardwood timber, but it often has rich, beautiful grain patterns. It is more delicate than hardwood timber and are not as sturdy or long-lasting. Some softwood timber can also be more expensive than hardwoods.

Softwoods are often used to frame houses and the boards that make up the walls, roofs, and floors inside. Softwoods also make excellent wood chips for paper production.

• fir
• hemlock
• cedar
• pine trees

First and foremost, the main difference between hardwood and softwood types are their source. Softwoods are sourced from conifer trees which are evergreen that are found in colder climates. Hardwoods are sourced from deciduous trees that grow in warmer, temperate regions. Softwoods are generally lighter in colour than hardwoods and are softer, too. They also tend to grow more quickly and are less dense than hardwoods.

Hardwoods are typically darker in colour, denser, and less prone to rot than softwoods. They grow more slowly than softwoods, which makes them more expensive. Another difference between hardwood and softwood is the way the two are harvested. Employers at logging companies use a variety of different machines to harvest both types of trees. Generally, they start by felling trees with chainsaws or with axes that are mounted on tractors. They then cut down the felled trees with a felling saw.

In general, hardwoods are tougher than softwoods. However, when considering durability, you should consider the type of softwood you’re considering. Certain types of softwood have excellent durability, while others have very little.

For example, southern yellow pine is very durable, while redwood is not as durable. Part of the difference is in the type of soil the tree grows in: southern yellow pine grows in sandy soil, whereas redwood grows in clay soil.

Another factor that influences durability is the grading of the wood. The more defects a piece of lumber has, the less durable it will be. It’s important to look for lumber that is graded Select or better.

Hardwoods are generally sturdier than softwoods because they are denser. Density is the weight per volume of something. Hardwoods have more fibres per cubic inch than softwoods, making them denser.

For example, southern yellow pine is a type of softwood that is not very dense. It is one of the least dense softwoods around. Southern yellow pine weighs about 28 pounds per cubic foot.

On the other hand, Texas red oak is a type of hardwood that is very dense. It weighs about 57 pounds per cubic foot.

Softwoods are less resistant to rot than hardwoods. This is especially true of softwoods grown in wet environments, like redwood. Generally, hardwoods tend to be more resistant to rot than softwoods.

One reason for this is that hardwoods often have more tannin than softwoods. Tannin is a chemical compound that is highly resistant to rot. Another factor influencing rot resistance is the type of wood used for construction.

For example, Western red cedar is highly resistant to rot, whereas pine tree is not as resistant.

Regardless of their source, hardwoods and softwoods all make beautiful furniture pieces, floors, and wall panels. When choosing which type of wood to use, you should consider your budget, availability, and durability requirements. Generally, hardwoods are denser and more resistant to rot than softwoods.

However, certain types of softwood are also resistant to rot and can be very durable. Ultimately, the decision between choosing hardwood or softwood is up to you. To make the right choice, you must first understand the differences between these two types of wood.

When you do, you will be able to decide which type of wood to use in your next home improvement project.

Wadsworth Joinery is a leading roof truss and wall frame manufacturer and supplier across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and Sydney regions. We work with both hardwoods and softwoods to provide a range of quality timber services to our customers. Contact us today to get started.