hardwood is the wood that comes from an angiosperm tree. This is a type of tree that has seeds that are enclosed, be it in pods, a shell, a covering or in a fruit. Some famous hardwoods include maple, balsa, oak, elm, mahogany, and sycamore.
Softwoods generally are wood from a gymnosperm tree. A gymnosperm is a type of tree that has seed that have no covering and tend to fall to the ground. Some famous softwood trees are pine, redwood, fir, cedar, and larch.
Hardwood | Softwood | |
Definition | Comes from angiosperm trees that are not monocots; trees are usually broad-leaved. Has vessel elements that transport water throughout the wood; under a microscope, these elements appear as pores. | Comes from gymnosperm trees which usually have needles and cones. Medullary rays and tracheids transport water and produce sap. When viewed under a microscope, softwoods have no visible pores because of tracheids. |
Uses | hardwoods are more likely to be found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring, and construction that needs to last. | About 80% of all timber comes from softwood. Softwoods have a wide range of applications and are found in building components (e.g., windows, doors), furniture, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), paper, Christmas trees, and much more. |
Examples | Examples of hardwood trees include alder, balsa, beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut. | Examples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. |
Density | Most hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods. | Most softwoods have a lower density than most hardwoods. |
Cost | Hardwood is typically more expensive than softwood. | Softwood is typically less expensive compared to hardwood. |
Growth | Hardwood has a slower growth rate. | Softwood has a faster rate of growth. |
Shedding of leaves | Hardwoods shed their leaves over a period of time in autumn and winter. | Softwoods tend to keep their needles throughout the year. |
Fire Resistance | More | Poor |