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Understanding Softwoods

By November 15, 2021Lumber Sales, Lumber Species

Softwoods are available all over the world in different prices, qualities, and durability. Normally, the lumber is used in general and internal joinery, construction, as well as joinery that does not need aesthetic qualities. Close to 80% of all timber is softwood, meaning that it is nearly four times more common to hardwood. But what exactly is softwood?  Softwood lumber refers to organic products that mainly come from trunks of coniferous trees. Sometimes, however, the wood is also prepared from branches of evergreen trees.

Are Softwoods Ideal For You?

If you are in the market to buy wood, you have probably received countless tales of why you should avoid softwood in favour of the hardwood species. While most people think that softwoods are not durable, the truth is that this species can last as long as any hardwood, given the right treatment and maintenance. With the fact that softwoods are four times more available to their hardwood counterparts, the world today gets more of softwood products than you can imagine.

Softwood in USA is primary product when building houses and making furniture. Most people prefer using it in raising the inner walls and making the roof. Other common uses include:

  • Furniture making
  • Fences
  • Doors
  • Containers and pallets

What Is The Formulation Of Softwoods

As a popular substitute for the hardwood species, it might intrigue you to know what makes softwoods. To help you understand this lumber species, you should first keep in mind that trees, like other plants, are living organisms. They have active cells that rely on nourishment from the roots and oxygen from the leaves to keep the tree growing.

All living cells have a lifespan, which determine their growth, deterioration, and eventual death. Therefore, when the branches and trunk of an evergreen tree grow bigger, the inner cells typically deteriorate and die. Once these cells die, they leave behind cell walls that become heartwood.

Between the bark and heartwood of a conifer is the sapwood, which constitutes the only living part of the branch or trunk. This part helps to transport nutrients from the roots to the tips of the tree. Of course, the bark constitutes the tree’s protective outer layer.

To avail the softwoods you see in the market today, the dead heartwood is usually sawn and planed to yield cuts of softwood. Typically, this is what makes a softwood softwoods.

Advantages of Softwoods

If you are looking for a lumber yard near me, you’ll want to begin by knowing the pros of the product you intend to purchase. How can you leverage on softwoods’ advantages to suit your project?

With a better perspective of what softwoods are, it would make sense to know reasons why most lumbering and woodworking projects rely on softwoods. The name softwood is sometimes, wrongly used to imply that the hardwood is softwood’s superior. However, the latter, is every bit as valuable as hardwoods are. Keep reading for key benefits of softwoods over their hardwood counterparts.

  •   Sustainable

Conifers are easy to replace due to their high growth rate. Since softwoods grow so fast, they are largely available and are an economical choice of timber for various projects. Therefore, softwoods embody the definition of sustainable or renewable.

  • Easy to Work With

While softwood carries a softer surface, it does not compromise their strength and durability. Further still, they are lightweight when compared to their hardwood species. These two qualities of softwood make it a very flexible construction material to work with.

  • Lightweight and Portable

You will also want to bear in mind that in the 21st century people are constantly on the move. It is not uncommon these days to see people moving with furniture both interstate and across states. Besides, contemporary lumber houses are fully portable! If you will be your timber product, the rule of thumb is to choose a light and durable construction material; softwoods in this case.

Bottom Line

Because softwood absorbs finishes like vanish, urethane, paint, and oil, it is an impeccable choice for woodworking projects at home, decking, structural framing, flooring, and many other uses. With so many different types of wood products in the market, you may not know whom to trust with your money’s worth. If you need a lumber company, you can trust with all your timber requirements any time you need, be sure to visit our website HERE. Sherwood lumber is America’s prime innovator and solution provider on everything lumber. We only specialize in quality lumber and panel products.