When you are buying a table, bed or bookshelf, it can seem confusing to choose between hardwood vs softwood. Both are suitable for use in furniture. This will depend on your budget, home and use of the piece.
This guide is designed to be simple. You will understand the difference of each wood, its longevity, its price and where it is most effective. At the end, you will have an idea of which one fits your needs.
The difference between Hardwood and Softwood?
Hardwood is derived from trees with broad leaves, including oaks, maples, walnuts and cherries. Most of these trees drop their leaves each year. Softwood is from coniferous trees that have cones and needles. These are typically pine, cedar, fir and spruce.
It takes a bit of digging to determine what these names are. The hardwood vs softwood designation is not a reference to the hardness of the wood, but rather the type of tree. Balsa is a hardwood that is extremely soft. Although a softwood, yew is fairly hard.
However, the labels are still a helpful reference for furniture. In general, hardwood is denser and heavier. Softwood is lighter, softer.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Comparison
Let’s take a quick look at the primary differences before diving into the details.
Strength: Hardwood has higher resistance to dent/scratch. Softwood is easier to mark.
Price: Softwood is typically cheaper. Typically, hardwood is more expensive.
Weight: Softwood is lighter. Hardwood is sturdier and heavier
Look: Fine, rich grain is a characteristic of hardwood. The light-toned wood with knots is called softwood.
Durability: With proper care, it is possible to have hardwood furniture for decades. Softwood furniture may outlive for a long period of time, but will wear out earlier.
These are a few general rules. These are slightly different and each species will have these differences, make sure to find out the exact wood used.
Which Wood is Stronger and Longer lasting?
The primary factor in the cost of hardwood is its durability. Tight wood is more tolerant of use day after day.
The Janka test is used to determine the resistance of wood to denting. The more it numbers the harder the wood will be. A general rule of thumb is that eastern white pine is approximately 380 pounds-force, red oak is approximately 1,290 pounds-force, and hard maple is approximately 1,450 pounds-force. The exact numbers differ from source to source and tree to tree.
Such items that are used regularly like dining tables, desks, and chairs are the clear winner in the hardwood vs softwood fight. It can be used for carrying heavy plates, laptops, and even busy families without causing too much damage.
Good quality softwood can be strong. A large size pine bookshelf can hold several books. It is just dented more easily when dropped on or dragged over.
Choice of Wood: Hardwood vs Softwood and Your Budget!
Softwood trees tend to be faster growing, and therefore more available and cheaper. Hardwood trees also tend to mature very slowly and that increases the prices. Common oak is less expensive than rarer woods like walnut.
Keep in mind, price is not the only factor. The low cost item that wears out quickly can end up costing more. An expensive item that will outlast a cheap one is a better value.
Softwood is a cost-effective option when on a budget. It’s great for children’s furniture, guest rooms, and items that you’ll want to update periodically.
The look and feel of grain, colour and style
Looks are as important as the strength. Hardwood grain is frequently closer, smoother. The oak has a strong grain. Maple is a light and even color. Walnut is a dark brown colour. Cherry changes colour as it ages and becomes reddish in colour.
Pine is lighter, and will feature some knots for a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. Some people enjoy this natural quality. Others like the cleaner appearance.
Finishing also differs. Pine stain may be irregular, use a pre-stain wood conditioner to produce a more even colour. Pine is easy to paint and is a popular choice for painted furniture.
Hardwood is the safer option when deciding between hardwood and softwood if you desire a classic or modern look. For casual, painted or rustic pieces, softwood is ideal.
Care and Maintenance
Basic care of both types of woods is required. Wipe up spills promptly and dust frequently. Put coasters and mats under hot or wet objects. Leave furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources: Wood expands and contracts with changes of humidity and temperature.
There’s one other benefit to hardwood. Solid hardwood may be sanded and refinished multiple times to renew its appearance as a new hardwood. A softwood can also be sanded and refinished, but it dents and wears out faster, and might need more frequent attention.
This is the place where each wood finds their best use
The most suitable location for the hardwood.
Use hardwood for high use items and for long-term storage. Some examples are dining tables, chairs, beds, desks, and dressers.
They work best in softwoods.
Softwood is used for bookshelves, kids’ cots, storage units and economical items. Cedar is also commonly used for outdoor furniture, chests, due to its natural resistance to rot and insects.
What about Outdoor Furniture?
The hardwood vs softwood answer is not as straightforward for the outdoors. Teak is a hardwood naturally resistant to the weather. The softwood, cedar, has similar benefits. If you use ordinary pine, it will require a protective treatment or sealing for outdoor use.
Checks Before You Buy
In either case, be sure to examine the manufacturing of the furniture piece you choose in the hardwood vs softwood dilemma.
Inquire if it is solid wood, veneer or wood over particleboard. Hardwood is a term used for some products, which may have only a thin hardwood layer.
Look at the joints. Dovetail and mortise and tenon joints are stronger than staples and gluing.
Look for smooth edges, an even finish and smooth drawer slides.
If you’re interested in responsibly sourced wood, be sure to check the label for certification like FSC or PEFC.
Reclaimed wood is an alternative. Whether the original wood is made of hardwood or softwood, it can help cut down on waste and add character to the wood.
A basic distinction between hardwoods and softwoods is explained
How many times will you be using it? Daily use indicates hardwood.
How much money have you got to spend? If the budget is tight, then it is a sign of softwood.
What type of style are you looking for? Softwoods can be rustic or painted. Hardwood has a classic, polished appearance that is suitable for classic, polished looks.
How many hours? Long-term pieces are suitable for hardwood.
If you require strength, durability and a polished appearance, select hardwood. Use softwood for low cost, light weight and casual appearance.
Many houses are equipped with both. A hardwood dining table, paired with a pine bookshelf, makes for a good value and durability.
Final Thoughts
There’s no clear answer to the hardwood vs softwood debate. Hardwood has a better appearance and will last longer and be stronger. For low cost, light weight and a laid-back look, you’ll want to go with softwood.
Match wood with the task. Choose hardwood for those items you use every day that will be with you for a long time. Use softwood for economical or rustic items. Regardless, make sure to inspect for quality and maintain the product properly.
A good hardwood or softwood choice will save you money, will not leave you with regrets and will provide you with furniture you’ll love every day.
Read more: woodworking for beginners. Read more: easy woodworking projects. Read more: power tools for your workshop.
FAQs
Is hardwood always harder than softwood?
No. The terms refer to the type of tree, not to the actual hardness. Balsa is a hardwood, but extremely soft. Common softwoods such as pine are softer than most common hardwoods such as oak and maple.
Does hardwood or softwood furniture cost more?
Yes. The trees used for softwood furniture are typically grown more quickly, which makes them less expensive. Hardwood furniture typically is more expensive, particularly rarer hardwoods such as walnut.
Which of the following is more suitable for a dining table?
Generally, it is better if it’s hardwood. Suspceptible to denting and scratching from plates, cups and everyday eating. Common trees include oak, maple and walnut.
Is it possible to make furniture last long out of softwoods?
Yes, provided good construction and care. Avoid moisture, use protective finishes and avoid heavy impacts. May start out denting sooner than hardwood, but it can last for many years.
What is better for the outside of the house in hardwood vs softwood furniture?
Both teak (hardwood) and cedar (softwood) will withstand weather and decay naturally, and are both good choices. Other woods typically require sealing or treating.
