When it comes to types of wood it can be divided into two major types softwood and hardwood.
Man made soft and hardwoods.
Few people know why woods are split into these two categories however and they make the assumption that hardwoods are hard while softwoods are soft.
The term comes from old logging camp rules of thumb where wood.
A hardwood tree is often but not necessarily a harder and denser wood than a softwood.
This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species.
Wood products are known for their natural beauty but when selecting a type of wood for your next cabinetry flooring furniture or millwork project it is important to also consider the level of durability by understanding the difference between wood types.
Unlike hardwoods softwoods do not have pores but instead contain linear tubes known as tracheids which supply nutrients for growth.
Simply categorising hardwood as hard and softwood as soft is not the best approach.
This distinction is incorrect.
Softwood comes from coniferous trees hardwood comes from deciduous broad leaved trees and man made boards can contain wood of either type or other materials plus a bonding agent normally a resin.
Some thing softwoods are used to make include furniture fencing home decor and cabinets.
Types of wood comparing american hardwoods softwoods and tropical hardwoods.
Classifying wood as either a hardwood or softwood comes down to its physical structure and makeup and so it is overly simple to think of hardwoods as being hard and durable compared to soft and workable softwoods.
The differences between hardwood and softwood lies in their origin physical structure quality and uses.
Balsa wood for example is classified as a hardwood despite the fact that it is very soft and light.
Softwoods are fast growing inexpensive woods.
Tracheids perform the same function as the pores in hardwood trees and also produce sap which protects the trees from pests and transports water and other essential elements necessary for growth.
The two wood types are actually distinguished botanically.
Hardwoods and softwoods both have a wide array of applications in the wood products industry.