Timber Types Hardwood And Softwood

There are hardwoods that are softer and lighter than softwoods.

Timber types hardwood and softwood.

Typically they grow slower and are thicker than softwoods. All of our hardwood and softwood siding orders are custom milled in our warehouse with quick deliveries available. The differences between the timbers relates to the botanical aspect of the wood the way in which the timer grows and is laid down. Some common types of hardwoods include oak teak iroko and meranti.

There are also some woods which are considered to be hardwoods that are not deciduous trees such as bamboo and palm. Hardwood has a more complex structure than different types of softwood and is often much slower growing as a result. When it comes to types of wood it can be divided into two major types softwood and hardwood. The differences between hardwood and softwood lies in their origin physical structure quality and uses.

As evidenced by the table above alder and balsa are soft hardwoods while juniper and yew are hard softwoods. Softwoods come from conifer trees or cone bearing trees. Hardwood species are not always necessarily stronger than softwoods but many species are well known for their beautiful and distinct wood grain patterns. Hardwoods are also stronger and more durable due to their more condensed and complex structure.

Because most coniferous trees grow fast and straight softwoods are generally less expensive than hardwoods. For example balsa wood is known as one of the softest and least dense types of wood yet it is categorized as hardwood. Softwoods aren t weaker than hardwoods. North american softwood species have needle shaped foliage instead of the leaves found on hardwood trees.

In addition to siding our ipe california redwood western red cedar and pressure treated timbers can also be used in large commercial or residential projects where both strength and appearance of exposed wood are of equal importance. Softwoods come from coniferous trees such as cedar fir and pine and tend to be somewhat yellow or reddish. Common hardwood species include oak maple cherry mahogany and walnut. Wood is categorized as either softwood or hardwood based on physical structure and makeup.

The term may also be used for the trees in which the wood is derived. Hardwoods are sourced from broad leaved trees. The terms hardwood and softwood do not indicate the softness or hardness of particular timbers. Softwoods contain more glucomannans than hardwoods while hardwoods contain more xylans.

Hardwoods are generally far more resistant to decay than softwoods when used for exterior work. Naturally darker in. These are usually broad leaved temperate and tropical forests.