Identify Hardwood Vs Softwood

You can also expect to pay more for hardwood compared to the same amount of softwood.

Identify hardwood vs softwood.

If your nail makes a mark then you are looking at salvaged softwood. What distinguishes hardwood from softwood is how the plant reproduces. Scientifically known as angiosperms which are plants that produce seeds with a sort of covering. And while generally speaking the average hardwood is a good deal harder and more durable than the average softwood there are examples of deciduous hardwoods that are much softer than the hardest softwoods.

Softwoods are often chosen for a flooring option for their smooth surface. These trees will not shed their leaves during winter and they bear cones or uncovered seeds that fall to the ground and germinate. Hardwood originates from deciduous trees that shed leaves during winter. Trees with broad flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees.

Overall hardwood vs softwood. If no mark can be seen then it is hardwood. The dense wood takes longer to season or dry out typically between 1 2 years and it s harder to light compared to softwood. Softwoods such as evergreen trees or conifers can be identified by their distinct needles and pine aroma.

While it s not a 100 guarantee profiling the wood. Simply try to dig your fingernail into the wood in an inconspicuous spot of course. Many closet items used aromatic red cedar and so forth. I m working my way alphabetically by botanical name so check out the latest added wood to see where i m at in the queue.

Many older houses with solid hardwood floors have commonly used either red oak or hard maple. These include pine fir cypress cedar spruce and hemlock. When comparing hardwoods vs softwoods it s the density of the wood that makes all the difference. I m slowly grinding my way through roughly 800 wood species that have still yet to be listed on the site.

The difference in their reproduction is closely related with their seeds structure. However due to the difference in density you may need twice the volume of softwood to compare to the same weight as hardwood. Many antique furniture pieces have featured quartersawn white oak. An example is balsa a hardwood that is quite soft when compared to the wood from yew trees which is quite durable and hard.

Pound for pound hardwoods and softwoods will create about the same amount of heat. On the other hand softwood comes from coniferous trees which we call evergreens. Wood hardness varies among the hardwood species and some are actually softer than some softwoods. Many violins have spruce tops.

It may appear rather sturdy but just because you ve found a gorgeous wood floor in your living space doesn t mean it is hardwood.