What Is Hardwood?
Hardwood is wood that comes from a deciduous tree, a tree that produces broad leaves that change color and drop in the fall.
Common Hardwoods
- Oak
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Maple
- Hickory
- Mahogany
- Poplar
- Teak
Features of Hardwood
Hardwoods have a dense internal structure due to their slow growth. This density is what gives hardwood its hardness as well as scratch resistance. The structure of hardwood also creates a more visible, attractive grain pattern. Another common feature of hardwood is its color. In general, hardwood is available in darker shades than softwood.
What Is Hardwood Used For?
Hardness, strength, durability and beauty make hardwood a popular choice for:
- Furniture
- Woodworking
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
Some types of hardwood, like teak, mahogany and white oak, are naturally resistant to the elements, but all types of hardwood can benefit from a sealant and stain to improve resistance to moisture and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
What Is Softwood?
Softwood is wood that comes from evergreen trees, those that produce thin leaves or needles, cones and resin. Unlike hardwood trees, softwoods maintain green foliage throughout the year. You might hear the term whitewood, which is a general reference to a variety of softwood lumber.
Common Softwoods
- Pine
- Cedar
- Fir
- Redwood
- Cypress
- Spruce
- Hemlock
Features of Softwood
Softwoods grow faster than hardwoods, and as a result, the wood is less dense. Softwood trees have an internal structure that’s less visible, so the wood grain is more subtle. The structure is also less complex, so the wood is softer and more vulnerable to scratches and damage. Softwood usually costs less than hardwood, is easier to cut and takes paint and wood stain better.
What Is Softwood Used For?
- Decks
- Woodworking
- Home framing
- Home sheathing
- Engineered wood (plywood, oriented strand board, etc.)
- Moulding and trim
While most softwood is vulnerable to the elements, pressure-treated softwood offers protection from rot and insects and is useful for outdoor projects. Redwood and cedar are naturally resistant to decay. However, all softwoods need a sealant and stain for protection against moisture and UV rays.
Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood
While some hardwoods and softwoods are exceptions, this quick comparison shows key factors of most types of hardwood and softwood. Use it to help you choose a wood type for your project:
In general, choose hardwood when durability and beauty are key and softwood when price and ease of use are most important:
- Durability: Hardwood resists scratches and dents better than softwood.
- Density: Hardwood is denser than softwood.
- Strength: Hardwood is stronger than softwood.
- Color and Shade: Hardwood offers darker shades while softwood is lighter and brighter.
- Grain: Hardwood has a more visible grain than softwood.
- Cost: Softwood is typically less expensive than hardwood.
- Weight: Softwood is lighter than hardwood.
- Workability: Softwood cuts and accepts paint or stain more easily than hardwood.
Hardwood vs. Softwood Key Points
Both hardwood and softwood can make excellent choices for projects, depending on the job and the features you want. Here’s what you need to remember:
- Hardwoods include oak, cherry, hickory, maple and mahogany.
- Hardwoods work well for fine furniture, flooring and cabinetry.
- The slow growth of hardwoods gives them durability and strength.
- Softwoods include pine, fir, cedar and redwood.
- Softwoods work well for framing materials, engineered wood and decks.
- The faster growth of softwoods makes them more economical.
- Hardwoods have a prominent woodgrain.
- Softwoods are easier to work with.
Shop Lowes.com for the lumber and wood products you need for your woodworking or home-improvement project. From maple boards to treated pine decking and from teak outdoor furniture to cedar fence panels, we have what you need. At your local Lowe’s, one of our Lowe’s Red Vest associates can show you the options and help you pick a hardwood or softwood product that’s perfect for your project and gives you the results you want.
Hardwood and Softwood FAQ
The answers to these common questions help you compare hardwoods and softwoods and decide which works best for your project.
What’s the Main Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?
Growth pattern is the key difference between hardwood and softwood. The slower growth of hardwood trees creates a dense internal structure that offers strength, durability and a more attractive grain. The faster growth of softwood trees creates a more open internal structure that makes the wood lighter, easier to work with and generally less expensive.
Is Pine a Hardwood?
No, pine is a softwood. Like most softwoods, pine has a subtle grain, lighter weight, lighter shade and is easier to scratch than most hardwoods. However, pine is typically more economical than hardwoods and easier to cut, drill and finish.
How Can You Tell if Wood Is Hardwood or Softwood?
You can’t always tell simply by look or feel. Hardwoods typically have a more obvious grain pattern, are harder and are available in darker shades than softwoods. Softwoods typically have subtle graining, are easier to scratch and dent, and are available in brighter shades. If you’re not certain, it’s best to identify the wood species. You can check it against the common hardwood and softwood types above or look it up.