Softwood is resinous in nature; it has a good and regular texture and a fragrant smell. Following is a list of common softwood varieties and their characteristics. In this Guide, you will get the information about the differences, uses & examples of Hardwood, Softwood and which type of wood is the best for which purpose. Softwood lumber is generally classified in three different ways, although the systems used in different countries are different. Softwood lumber is timber obtained from coniferous evergreen trees. Redwood is an example of softwood lumber. Nature: Hardwoods are non-resinous woods have acids. The term softwood designates wood from gymnosperm trees (plants having seeds with no covering). ft) of air-dried timber (1 kg =2.2 lb.). Fibres: Wood fibres are present in hardwood. Cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew are examples of softwoods. The timber may be processed or used as it is for various applications. Softwoods and their uses. Weights refer to kilograms per cubic metre (35.31 cu. Grown British Columbia; weight 500-575 kg; colour gold/reddish brown. Various types of softwood lumber are available. Due to absence of vessels, softwood can also be referred to as non-porous wood. Also known as British Columbian pine, Oregon pine. Softwood is the source of about 80% of the world's production of timber, with traditional centres of production being the Baltic region (including Scandinavia and Russia), North America and China. Hardwoods have more fire resistance. Softwood is a generic term used in woodworking and the lumber industries for wood from conifers. These woods are lightweight and softer as compared to hardwoods. Cedar. The most common type of cedar is the western red variety. Softwoods (coniferous) Araucaria. Fire Resistance. Hardwoods are dark colored woods. Fibres are absent in softwood. Douglas fir. Western red cedar, as its name implies, has a reddish color to it. It can be used for siding, decks, fencing … Examples of the softwood-producing trees are pine, spruce, cedar, fir, larch, douglas-fir, hemlock, cypress, redwood, and yew. Examples Hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) Monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia) Cedar (Cedrus) Celery-top pine (Phyllocladus aspleniifolius) Cypress (Chamaecyparis, Cupressus, Taxodium) Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) Bald cypress, southern cypress (Taxodium distichum) This type of wood is relatively soft (1 on a scale of 1 to 4), has a straight grain, and has a slightly aromatic smell. These woods are harder and heavier than softwoods. +44 1604 986028 support@cameroontimberexport.com However, softwoods are generally not as hardy as hardwood. Softwoods have poor fire resistance. Softwood is typically used in construction as structural carcassing timber, as well as finishing timber. This strong, durable timber comes from a massive tree commonly up to 75 m. Another softwood lumber, cedar is good for indoor and outdoor projects, and has two main types: White cedar is naturally resistant to rotting and bugs, making it favorable for a variety of construction purposes. First, it is classified by use, and assessed for its strength and stress-bearing qualities. Levels of resilience vary from one softwood species to the next. Color. Weight. Next, we take a look at some examples of each of these two types of wood: Types of Softwood Cedar Cedar wood (Image: Wikimedia Commons) The reason why we have included this wood in our list of softwoods is that people tend to consider cedar as hardwood, but no, it is a softwood.