Characteristics | Hardwood | Softwood |
Definition | From angiosperm trees that are not monocots and usually broad-leaved and Has vessel elements that transport water throughout the wood, hardwood is formed and these elements appear as pores under a microscope. | From gymnosperm trees which usually have needles and cones and rays, softwood is formed and tracheids transport water and produce sap and have no visible pores because of tracheids under a microscope. |
Uses | In high-quality furniture, decks, flooring, and construction that need to last, hardwoods are more likely used. | In building components like windows, doors, furniture, medium-density fiberboard, & paper, softwoods are used. |
Density | Hardwoods have a higher density than most of the softwoods. | Softwoods have a lower density than most of the hardwoods. |
Cost | These woods are more expensive than softwoods. | These woods are less expensive as compared to the hardwood. |
Growth | The rate of growth is slower for hardwoods | The rate of growth is faster than hardwood. |
Shedding of Leaves | Over a period of time in autumn and winter hardwoods shed their leaves. | Throughout the year softwoods tend to keep their needles. |
Trees Example | Alder, balsa, beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut are examples of hardwoods. | Cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew are examples of softwoods. |
Fire Resistance | Hardwoods have more fire resistance. | Softwoods have poor fire resistance. |
Weight | These woods are harder and heavier than softwoods. | These woods are lightweight and softer as compared to hardwoods. |
Color | Hardwoods are dark colored woods. | Light in color. |
Weather Resistance | These woods are having a less environmental impact and naturally resistant to weather. | Having an environmental impact, if treated then these may become resistant to weather. |
Ring Structure | There are not distinct annual rings. | There are distinct annual rings. |
Tensile & Shear Strength | These woods have good shear and tensile strength. | These woods have comparatively weaker shear strength and well tensile strength. |
Wood Branching | These woods have fewer shots. | These woods create more shoots and branches. |
Workability | To curve these woods are difficult. | To crave these woods are easier. |
