Softwoods are not only eco-friendly, they are cheaper than hardwoods! Softwoods are derived from cone bearing trees (coniferous trees) and are sold in standard thickness and widths. Softwoods are most commonly used for home construction and are less expensive than hardwoods partly because they grow fast and straight. Softwood is the source of about 80% of the world's production of timber. Softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods and in fact there is quite a variation in hardness in the different softwoods and hardwoods.
Types of Softwoods:
Cedar - Cedar is a reddish wood and is known for its aromatic smell. Cedar is often used for closets as it repells insects such as months who feed on fabrics. Cedar has some other great qualities such as resisting decay and being uniform in texture. Cedar is also used for shingles as well as in chest making, closet lining, shingles, posts, dock planks, novelties and Venetian blinds.
Fir - Fir is used for projects where finishing is involved such as for moldings. The wood itself is soft with a reddish brown tint. Also used for crates and boxes.
Hemlock - Hemlock has low resistance to decay and non resinous and is used for construction lumber, planks, doors, boards, paneling, sub flooring and crates. The wood is coarse, rough, soft wood with open grain and does not paint as well as some other wood types.
Pine - Pine is a great wood for home construction because it resists shrinking swelling, and warping. Pine comes in several varieties, including Ponderosa, Sugar, White, and Yellow, and all of them make great furniture.
Redwood - Redwood is an average-priced softwood choice and is used mostly for outdoor projects because of its resistance to moisture. Redwood also has a natural resistance to decay.
