Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
In carpentry, wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood — but these terms refer to the botanical origin of the tree, not necessarily the physical hardness of the wood. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) such as oak, maple, walnut, cherry, and ash. Softwoods come from coniferous trees (evergreens that bear needles and cones) such as pine, spruce, fir, cedar, and redwood. Despite the names, some softwoods (like Douglas fir) are physically harder than some hardwoods (like balsa). In practice, hardwoods are used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and finish work because of their aesthetic grain and durability. Softwoods are used for structural framing, sheathing, and general construction because they are faster-growing, more widely available, and less expensive.