Hardwood Vs Softwood: Key Differences and Best Uses

​The terms “hardwood” and “softwood” do not necessarily indicate the strength of wood. However, hardwood is often considered to be stronger than softwood due to its dense cell structure.

There are some exceptions, like the softwood Yew. It is stronger than hardwood species, such as poplar and basswood. Balsa, a hardwood, has lesser strength than longleaf pine, which is a softwood.

Since hardwood has a dense cell structure, it's difficult to work with. You would need industry-grade tools to work with it. Softwood is much easier to work with.

Hardwood is generally costlier than softwood. They are difficult to harvest and are rarer than softwood.

Since hardwood is highly durable and versatile, it is used for flooring. It can be used in different areas of your house. For example, living room, bedrooms, hallways and even stairs.

This type of wood can be installed on different levels. For example, the main floor, upper floors and ​​​​basement, with proper moisture control. It provides a consistent and elegant look throughout the house.

Consider installing scratch-resistant hardwood flooring If you have pets. You can also opt for skid-resistant flooring.

Stain-resistant hardwood is very easy to maintain. They are available in both light and dark colors.

Hardwood is used to make building supplies for construction. Decay and pest-resistant cedar is best suited for crafting doors, windows and cabinets.

Hardwood is utilized for complex construction projects. ​​​​Pressure-treated hardwood is one of the best options. It performs well even when exposed to soil and freshwater.

​​​Consider hardwood furring strips for framing purposes. Cedarwood lattices are an excellent choice for ​​fences, false ceilings and facades. They are naturally resistant to decay.

Hardwood veneer edging can be used to patch up your furniture. You can also use them to provide a sleek finish to kitchen cabinets.

Furniture can be made with both hardwood and softwood. Pinewood is lightweight but very durable. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Whitewood is another great option. It is great for crafting furniture, shelves and cabinets. It is often utilized for light construction purposes.

Primed pine boards can also be used to make cabinetry and shelving units. Their smooth surface makes them easier to work with. You can stain them to enhance their woody appearance or paint them in bold colors to match your interiors.

​Softwood ply is the first choice of DIY lovers. They can be utilized for small projects like building a doghouse, a small shed, a bookcase or a patio table. For instance, you can make a table from a round pine board.

You can cut it yourself with the help of ​​​​common woodworking tools. You can easily cut a semi-circle or quarter rounds from this board. The smooth surface can be polished or painted.

Softwood is a good choice for building wooden feature walls and ceilings. Consider whitewood boards for crafting them.

It is affordable and can be easily cut. You can sand them to get a smooth surface. Remember to use exterior-grade paint for outdoor projects.

Softwood for walls and ceilings is generally available in Douglas Fir and Spruce Pine Fir species. Consider purchasing OSB boards for roof sheathing. They are durable and easy to work with.