1. Hardwoods and Softwoods

2. The terms ‘softwood’ and ‘hardwood’ do not indicate softness or hardness of particular timbers. In fact, some hardwoods are softer and lighter than softwoods. e.g. balsa The main differences between hardwoods and softwoods are botanical, and relate to the way the tree grows and the timber is laid down.

3. Hardwoods and Softwoods
Hardwoods Softwoods
Angiosperm
Gymnosperm

4. Comparing hardwoods and softwoods
Leaves
Hardwoods Softwoods
Broad leaves
Narrow leaves

5. Comparing hardwoods and softwoods
Colour
Hardwoods Softwoods
Usually dark
Light

6. Comparing hardwoods and softwoods
Seeds
Hardwoods Softwoods
Seeds in fruit
Seeds in cones

7. Comparing hardwoods and softwoods
Cell Structure
Hardwoods Softwoods
Pored wood
Non-Pored wood

8. Examples of hardwoods and softwoods
Hardwoods Softwoods
Mountain ash Radiata pine
Jarrah Hoop pine
Silky Oak Cypress pine
Cedar Huon pine
Ironbark Kauri
Stringybark