Hardwood vs Softwood: Guide to Choose the Different Types of Wood


Choosing your next piece of wooden home decor or furniture? What do you need to know to make an informed choice? What are the different types of wood available? 

The types of wood can be classified into four main types:

  1. Hardwood
  2. Softwood
  3. Plywood
  4. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

Focusing on natural wood, it can be classified as either hardwood or softwood, depending on its physical properties. The characteristics of natural wood varies from appearance, to density, grain and finishing.  

There are different types of wood available in the market for home decor and furniture. Picking the right wood for either project is critical as it helps you to determine the exact price and overall aesthetics of your home. 

While any type of wood can be used to make wooden home decor or furniture, not all woods are made equal. That is why you need to understand the different types of wood to make choose wisely. Thus, when it comes to deciding the best wood for your wooden home decor or furniture, understanding its properties is important. 

The difference between hardwood and softwood are explained in three main categories below: Properties, Uses and Examples

What is the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?

Hardwood and softwood can be differentiated in nature based on how they populate, rather than their end appearance and attributes. In general, hardwood comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually. Softwood comes from conifer, which usually remains evergreen.

The trees from which hardwood is obtained tend to be slower growing due to more complex anatomical structure, causing the wood to be high in density.

Softwood, on the other hand, has relatively less complex anatomical structure and tends be less density. 

1. Properties of Hardwood and Softwood

Hardwood

  • Comes from angiosperm, deciduous trees.
  • Porous from to the presence of vessels.
  • Rough wood texture. 
  • Grows slower as compared to softwoods. Hence, relatively more expensive.
  • Durable and resistant against rotting and decaying.
  • Comes with close grain, and requires low maintenance.
  • Lower sap content and better fire resistance. 

Softwood

  • Comes from coniferous, evergreen trees. 
  • Non-porous due to the lack of vessels. 
  • Fine wood texture. It has a better finish as the lack of vessels allows softwoods to absorb adhesives quickly.
  • Comes with loose grain, higher sap content, and lighter colour, with poor fire resistance.
  • Fine and lightweight structure 

2. Uses of Hardwood and Softwood

Hardwood

  • Commonly used for wooden flooring as it has good fire resistance. 
  • Used for making furniture. However, not all types of hardwood are ideal for making furniture.
  • Works well in residential and commercial projects, and can be used for indoor or outdoor application. 
  • Generally used when durability and strength are of upmost importance.

Softwood

  • Commonly used for feature walls, structural frames, ceilings, furniture, floor coverings, formwork, and scaffolding, among others.
  • Used to create stunning features for residential and commercial projects as it offers a beautiful finish. 
  • Used in the paper and cardboard industry.
  • Best wood for furniture due to its fine and lightweight structure.

3. Examples of Hardwood and Softwood

Hardwood

Trees are deciduous in nature, and species include:

  • Mahogany
  • Walnut 
  • Red Oak
  • Eucalyptus
  • Teak

Softwood

Tress are evergreen in nature, and species include:

  • Cedar
  • Douglas fir
  • White Spruce
  • Pine
  • Hemlock