Why are softwoods cheaper

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.

For this reason, hardwoods are often found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring and construction that is designed to last. As the timber experts, Arnold Laver has extensive in-house production facilities for the machining and manufacture of both hardwoods and softwoods. We have modern and well-equipped factories located across several of our Depots, allowing us to provide an effective and timely service for a range of manufacturing requirements.

Visit Our Depots. Contact Us. Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now. More from our Blog. Find your nearest depots Search. Scots Pine. Pine needles. Softwoods Softwoods come from coniferous trees which have needles instead of leaves.

Softwoods grow faster than hardwoods and so are cheaper they are also easier to work with as they are softer than hardwoods. These are supplied in standard sections sawn and planned smooth. Softwood sizes are confusing because they are smaller once they are planned. Softwood types. Scots pine - A straight-grained softwood but knotty.

Light in colour. Fairly strong but easy to work with. Has vessel elements that transport water throughout the wood; under a microscope, these elements appear as pores. Comes from gymnosperm trees which usually have needles and cones. Medullary rays and tracheids transport water and produce sap.

When viewed under a microscope, softwoods have no visible pores because of tracheids. Uses hardwoods are more likely to be found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring , and construction that needs to last. Examples Examples of hardwood trees include alder, balsa, beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut.

Examples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. Density Most hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods. Most softwoods have a lower density than most hardwoods. Cost Hardwood is typically more expensive than softwood. Softwood is typically less expensive compared to hardwood. Growth Hardwood has a slower growth rate. Softwood has a faster rate of growth. Shedding of leaves Hardwoods shed their leaves over a period of time in autumn and winter.

Softwood timbers are ideal for fencing, porch pillars, decks, docks, walkways, and outdoor projects. Hardwoods produce a stylish, high-performing grained wood that is generally used for flooring and furniture. It is very dense, making it difficult to carve and maneuver, but it offers good tensile and shear strength. Because of its easy maintenance, hardwoods make beautiful flooring.

Hardwoods are easy to clean; scratches and dents are easily fixed. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes and have a high resistance to fire. Imagine a Louisiana live oak.