There are three main types of timber that are stocked at Leominster Building Supplies, which are softwood timber, studwork timber, and hardwood timber. In this article we’ll take you through their key differences and what projects they are best suited for.
Most people assume that the difference between hardwood and softwood is that hardwood is hard and softwood is soft… However, this isn’t always necessarily the case. The classification of hardwood and softwood is actually referring to the seeds of the trees. Softwood is produced by coniferous trees – typically evergreens – where the seeds are protected by cones. Hardwood seeds are usually inside a protective casing such as a nut or piece of fruit.
Choosing either softwood or hardwood is an important first step for your project. Will you rarely touch or use your project after its completion? If so then softwoods may be the answer. On the other hand, if you will be using your project very often like a kitchen table or something that takes frequent bumps and dings like baseboard and doorways, then hardwood is a better choice. If your project is something that will be out in the elements, then you will need a hearty, rot-resistant wood such as mahogany or teak. Cedar is another great choice.
Now that interesting ‘seed’ of knowledge is out the way, let’s look at the key differences in the woods themselves and what this means for your projects..
Softwoods are better suited for indoor projects, as they’re an open-grain wood with a higher sap content. Their open grain means they’re susceptible to rot and moisture damage. When exposed to the elements, the wood can split and distort. Pine, larch and spruce are commonly used for fencing, as they are more durable than other types of softwoods.