Hardwood comes from deciduous trees with broad leaves. Hardwood trees take a long time to grow, around 60 years sometimes up to This means that they are rarely planted and very expensive.
The majority of hardwoods grow in tropical regions, such as Amazonian climates, while others grow in temperate climates such as Europe. Their growth rings are much smaller than softwood, making the grain closer. Examples include:. Jelutong is used for model making and vacuum forming moulds, and it is selected because it is easy to cut and shape. It has a close and even grain but, because it is soft, it is not good for structural uses. Birch is often used for veneers in furniture and it is selected because of its even grain.
Like jelutong, it is easy to cut and shape but it is also liable to rot and insect attacks. Ash is used in ladders, tool handles, walking sticks and sports equipment, such as oars. It finishes well and it is selected because it is strong and flexible but, like birch, it is liable to rot and insect attacks. Softwood comes from coniferous trees with needle-like leaves that normally stay on during the winter - larch is an exception as it loses its needle-like leaves during the winter.
Softwoods naturally grow in colder regions such as Alpine climates. Softwood trees grow quickly so their growth rings are wider making the grain wider. Balsa is light and very soft to use. It is used to make light weight models.
It is however a hardwood. Yew is a coniferous tree but is heavy and hard to use like some hardwoods. Examine the Common Hardwoods and softwoods Table. The table displays a variety of common woods. It explains where and why each wood is used. It also explains the properties of woods and provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of using each one.
Using the above table answer the questions below. Which type of hardwood would be suitable to make tough kitchen surface tops from? The surface would have to withstand shocks and wear. If mahogany proves too expensive to use what would be an ideal substitute? Give two examples of suitable hardwoods that may be used to make quality garden furniture?
A manufacturer of intends to create wooden sailing boats. Suggest a suitable hardwood? Explain why European oak is not normally joined together with iron and steel fittings? We aim to be able to meet virtually any hardwood requirement from stock. We also offer a full machining service and can supply everything from a simple length of timber to intricate mouldings.
Softwood is renowned for its versatility and strength. Sourced from all over the globe, with a large breadth of applications and a remarkably aesthetic appeal, softwood can be used across a broad range of internal and external projects — from furniture and flooring to decking, landscaping, external joinery and structural applications.
Softwoods are more readily available and easily manipulated. They also develop at a quicker pace, leading to lower cost levels. They are flexible, lighter in weight and less dense than most hardwoods. Softwoods are commonly used for interior mouldings, the manufacturing of windows, construction framing and generating sheet goods such as plywood and fibreboard.
At Arnold Laver we have the broadest and most comprehensive range of softwood species and grades to cover all timber requirements. We have a core range of softwoods held in stock at all of our branches, backed up by daily supplies from our National Distribution Centre.
As well as standard products, bespoke requirements are our speciality, with machining, grading and treatment facilities available group-wide. In many cases, hardwoods and softwoods are both used for many of the same purposes. Generally, though, softwoods are cheaper and easier to work with. Softwoods have a wide range of applications and are found in building components including components such as windows and doors , furniture and fibreboard.
Though hardwoods are often more expensive and sometimes more difficult to work with, the benefit is that most though not all are denser, meaning they will last longer than softwoods.
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