Did you know that 80% of all timber comes from softwood?
With many options available to you while remodeling or customizing your business for your furniture, flooring, and architectural millwork, it can be difficult to choose between the various species of hardwood and softwood. What are some of the primary differences of hardwood and softwood?
The Difference Starts in the Name
Many people assume that hardwood is called hardwood because it is denser or more durable than softwood. The truth is, hardwood is called hardwood simply because of the tree of origin’s structure, not its density. Hardwood comes from trees that have enclosed seeds (apples, acorns, etc.) that are considered flowering plants. Some hardwood trees include aspen, balsa, birch, cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, and walnut—names that are very familiar to anyone picking out furniture or hardwood flooring! Softwood comes from trees that have exposed seeds like cedar, pine, and spruce.
The Structural Difference
Another difference between hardwood and softwood occurs on a very small level. Hardwood has pores in it that can vary in their size and shape throughout the material. They help contribute to the beautiful grain patterns you see on hardwood flooring or architectural millwork. Hardwood offers the additional advantage of being more resistant to fire than softwood because of its structure. Softwoods have straight tubes instead of pores (called tracheids), but they can still have remarkable and stunning grains depending on the species that is used. Fir is an example of a softwood with a beautiful and pronounced grain, despite its differing internal structure.
What’s the Purpose?
When choosing between hardwood or softwood, it’s important to consider the typical uses of the materials. Hardwood is typically used for construction projects, sturdy hardwood flooring, outdoor decking and patios, and beautiful furniture. Softwood is typically less pricey and it is used for timber, paper, decorative trees including Christmas trees, and fiberboard. Almost 80% of all timber comes directly from softwood.
Hardwood or Softwood, Mahogany, Inc. Has You Covered
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have the expertise and experience to tackle whatever your custom woodwork job is (and acquire those hard to find woods you might want to use!). If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.