In broad timber terms there are two different categories of woods – softwood and hardwood.
Softwood comes from coniferous species like cedar, fir and pine. They grow quickly
and the wood is lighter, has coarser grain and is not as strong as most hardwoods.
While in general softwoods are considered inferior to hardwoods for many purposes they do have their place in the woodworking world for specific jobs and
because they grow quickly they are very economical. In building they are commonly used for the framework of houses and areas such as lining boards and cladding.
Hardwoods by comparison are heavy, strong and stable. They are used predominantly for piers, flooring, decking and in most timber furniture.
Softwood comes from coniferous species like cedar, fir and pine. They grow quickly
and the wood is lighter, has coarser grain and is not as strong as most hardwoods.
While in general softwoods are considered inferior to hardwoods for many purposes they do have their place in the woodworking world for specific jobs and
because they grow quickly they are very economical. In building they are commonly used for the framework of houses and areas such as lining boards and cladding.
Hardwoods by comparison are heavy, strong and stable. They are used predominantly for piers, flooring, decking and in most timber furniture.
