Despite their names, hardwoods and softwoods don’t necessarily indicate the wood’s hardness or softness. Instead, these woods are classified based on a tree’s botanical structure. This distinction is important for woodworkers and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, as it affects the wood’s characteristics and best uses. In the video above, This Old House expert Tom Silva showcases the surprising range of densities within hardwoods, from ultra-light balsa to incredibly dense lignum vitae.
Types of Hardwoods
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which are broad-leaved trees that typically lose their leaves annually. These types of wood generally have a more complex cell structure than softwoods, resulting in a denser, more durable material. However, as Silva points out, there are exceptions, such as Balsa wood, which is technically a hardwood but is extremely light and soft.
Here are some examples of hardwood trees:
- Cherry
- Mahogany
- Maple
- Oak
- Walnut
Types of Softwoods
Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are evergreen trees with needle-like leaves. These types of wood typically grow faster than hardwoods and have a simpler cell structure. They’re often less dense and more pliable than hardwoods, making them easier to work with. Here are a few common softwood varieties:
- Cedar
- Fir
- Pine
- Redwood
- Spruce
Identifying Wood Types
Identifying different types of wood can be challenging, but there are several characteristics you can look for to distinguish between hardwoods and softwoods.
Visual Characteristics
Hardwoods and softwoods differ in color, grain pattern, and knots.
- Color: Hardwoods typically come in a wider range of colors, from light to dark, while softwoods are usually lighter in color.
- Grain pattern: Hardwoods often have a more pronounced and varied grain pattern, while softwoods tend to have straighter, more uniform grains.
- Knots: Softwoods generally have more visible knots, which are dark, circular, or patchy spots that are a natural part of the wood, than hardwoods.
Physical Properties
While you can identify woods based on their visible characteristics, you can also look at a few other physical properties:
- Hardness: Most hardwoods are harder and more resistant to dents and scratches than softwoods.
- Texture: Hardwoods often have a smoother texture when sanded, while softwoods may feel slightly rough even after sanding.
- Weight: In general, hardwoods are denser and heavier than softwoods.
Additional Tests
Apart from visual and physical characteristics, there are practical tests you can perform to determine wood types:
- Burn test: The smell and color of the smoke produced by wood can help identify the type of wood you’re dealing with. Hardwoods tend to burn hotter and longer than softwoods, and they also have a milder and more pleasant smell when burned.
- Floating test: Harder woods, such as lignum vitae, won’t float in water due to their density.
Common Uses for Hardwoods and Softwoods
The unique properties of hardwoods and softwoods make them suitable for different applications in construction and woodworking.
Hardwood Applications
People often choose hardwoods for their durability, strength, and visual appeal. Here are some popular uses for hardwoods:
- Cabinetry and furniture: Maple is an excellent choice for cabinet fronts and doors due to its tight grain and ability to take stain well. Walnut and cherry are also popular for high-end furniture pieces.
- Flooring: Oak is popular for flooring because of its durability and distinctive grain pattern. Both red and white oak are typical for hardwood floors.
- Musical instruments: Hardwoods, such as mahogany and rosewood, are often used in musical instruments due to their tonal qualities and durability.
Softwood Applications
Softwoods are flexible and affordable, and most people use them for the following applications:
- Framing and construction: Softwoods, such as fir and spruce, are ideal for framing due to their straight growth and ability to yield long, knot-free boards.
- Interior trim: Homeowners typically use pine for interior trim and moldings because it’s easy to work with and takes paint well.
- Outdoor structures: Cedar and redwood, known for their natural resistance to rot and insects, are common in outdoor furniture and decking.
Specialty and Exotic Woods
Beyond common hardwoods and softwoods, there are specialty and exotic woods that offer unique characteristics for specific uses.
Fine Hardwoods
Fine hardwoods, such as cherry, mahogany, and walnut, are used for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and architectural details. Walnut is excellent for turned items, such as balusters and newel posts, due to its workability and beautiful grain. Cherry has a rich color and smooth finish, making it ideal for fine furniture.
Exotic Hardwoods
Exotic hardwoods are rare and often sourced from tropical regions. Hardwoods, such as ebony, purpleheart, and zebrawood, are typically used for accents, inlays, and small decorative pieces due to their distinctive colors and patterns.
Considerations When Choosing Wood
When selecting wood for a project, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Hardwoods and exotic woods are generally more expensive than softwoods.
- Environmental impact: Look for sustainably sourced wood, especially when using exotic species, for a reduced environmental impact, soil protection, and increased carbon storage.
- Intended use: Choose a wood type that matches the durability and style of your project.
- Moisture resistance: For outdoor projects, select woods with natural resistance to rot and insects, such as cedar or mahogany.
- Workability: Gauge your skill level and available tools when choosing between harder and softer woods. Softwoods are easier to work with than hardwoods because of their lower density and composition.
Wood Preparation and Treatment for Hardwoods and Softwoods
Properly preparing and treating wood increases its lifespan and performance.
Drying
Properly dry wood before working with it to prevent warping and twisting. You can use an air drying or kiln drying process:
- Air drying: This is a slow process where you stack wood and leave it to dry naturally. It can take several months, or even years, depending on the wood type and thickness.
- Kiln drying: This is a faster, more controlled method that uses heat and humidity to dry wood. This process reduces the drying time to a matter of weeks and provides a more uniform moisture content in the wood.
Conditioning and Sanding
Before applying finishes, make sure to properly condition and sand the wood:
- Conditioning: Some woods, such as pine, can blotch when stained. Using a wood conditioner before staining helps provide an even application.
- Sanding: Start with a medium grit sandpaper and finish with a fine grit to achieve a smooth wood surface. The smoother the surface, the better the finish will adhere.
Finishing
Finishing wood protects it from moisture and wear while showcasing its natural beauty. Common finishing methods include the following:
- Oiling: Oils, such as linseed and tung oil, penetrate the wood to give it a rich, natural finish while offering some protection.
- Painting: Consider painting softer woods, such as pine, especially for projects where the wood’s grain isn’t a focal point.
- Staining: Staining can highlight the natural grain of the wood. Silva notes that maple takes stain well but won’t stain dark, which is an important consideration for certain projects.
- Varnishing: Varnish provides a hard, protective surface that’s ideal for areas subject to heavy use, such as tabletops and flooring.
Our Conclusion
Understanding the differences between hardwoods and softwoods can help you choose the right material for your woodworking projects. While hardwoods are generally more durable and visually appealing, softwoods have their place in construction and more utilitarian applications. Consider factors such as intended use, budget, and workability to pick the perfect wood for your next project.
