And while generally speaking the average hardwood is a good deal harder and more durable than the average softwood there are examples of deciduous hardwoods that are much softer than the hardest softwoods.
Identify hardwood vs softwood.
The dense wood takes longer to season or dry out typically between 1 2 years and it s harder to light compared to softwood.
When i wasn t sure how to tell softwood from hardwood my husband told me a quick and easy trick.
It may appear rather sturdy but just because you ve found a gorgeous wood floor in your living space doesn t mean it is hardwood.
On the other hand softwood comes from coniferous trees which we call evergreens.
For instance in the united states.
An example is balsa a hardwood that is quite soft when compared to the wood from yew trees which is quite durable and hard.
The difference in their reproduction is closely related with their seeds structure.
These include pine fir cypress cedar spruce and hemlock.
Many antique furniture pieces have featured quartersawn white oak.
Many violins have spruce tops.
Simply try to dig your fingernail into the wood in an inconspicuous spot of course.
Softwoods are often chosen for a flooring option for their smooth surface.
Many closet items used aromatic red cedar and so forth.
If your nail makes a mark then you are looking at salvaged softwood.
Scientifically known as angiosperms which are plants that produce seeds with a sort of covering.
Hardwood originates from deciduous trees that shed leaves during winter.
I m slowly grinding my way through roughly 800 wood species that have still yet to be listed on the site.
Deciduous perennial plants which are normally leafless for some time during the year.
What distinguishes hardwood from softwood is how the plant reproduces.
While it s not a 100 guarantee profiling the wood.
Pound for pound hardwoods and softwoods will create about the same amount of heat.
When comparing hardwoods vs softwoods it s the density of the wood that makes all the difference.
Trees with broad flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees.
Wood hardness varies among the hardwood species and some are actually softer than some softwoods.
I m working my way alphabetically by botanical name so check out the latest added wood to see where i m at in the queue.
Softwoods such as evergreen trees or conifers can be identified by their distinct needles and pine aroma.
If no mark can be seen then it is hardwood.
You can also expect to pay more for hardwood compared to the same amount of softwood.
Overall hardwood vs softwood.