While some people head out to the furniture store to see what they believe is most beautiful, others go out to find what is most beautiful and durable. The latter group often has a much more difficult time in finding furniture because it’s more confusing. There are many different types of wood, and not all of them will provide the same level of quality. The two woods that most people do not understand are hardwood and softwood. Both of these woods are commonly used to make furniture, but one is better than the other is.

Learn About Two Woods

Don’t be fooled by these woods’ names. A hardwood is not hard, and a softwood is not soft. Actually, some hardwoods are made of soft wood, and some softwoods are made of hard wood. The reason why they have these names has more to do with their trees’ seeds and characteristics rather than the pliability of the wood.

Hardwood

Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which are those that sprout from a covered seed. These trees often have large, wide leaves too.

Hardwood is used to make flooring, utensils, construction, and of course, furniture. It’s much denser than softwood, which gives it strength and durability.

There are many hardwood trees growing around the world. The ones you’ve heard of before include:

  • Mahogany
  • Teak
  • Walnut
  • Oak
  • Ash
  • Elm
  • Aspen
  • Poplar
  • Birch
  • Maple

Two characteristics that most people look for when trying to determine if something is made of hardwood are the colour and weight of it. If the item is heavy and dark coloured, it’s often a hardwood.

Softwood

Softwood comes from trees known as conifers or gymnosperm. These trees grow from a seed without a cover on it.

The application of softwood differs slightly from hardwood, as it is used in building homes and cabins, as well as furniture. This is because softwood is often less expensive, there are more available around the world, and they grow much faster than hardwood trees.

Examples of softwood are:

  • Pine
  • Spruce
  • Cedar
  • Fir
  • Larch
  • Douglas-fir

As you’ve probably noticed, most of these trees are ones with needles. This is the classic trait of softwood trees.

When shopping for furniture, it’s important to look for the same two characteristics as in hardwood – colour and weight. Softwoods are light in colour and in weight.

Which Wood Is Better for Furniture?

As you’re shopping, you’ll notice that hardwood furniture is much more attractive. The reason for this is because the wood is naturally more beautiful, and whenever it’s dyed, the stain takes better to the wood.

Softwood isn’t ugly, but it’s much less desirable than the hardwoods are to people. They also don’t hold up as long as hardwoods, so people tend to believe they are not as much of a worthwhile investment.

One Last Tip: Solid Wood Solidifies Satisfaction

If you want to be completely satisfied with your furniture purchase, make sure that you avoid veneer. Only purchase solid wood. Whether it’s solid hardwood or softwood, as long as you buy it completely made of these quality woods, you’ll be much more satisfied than if you purchase furniture with just a wood overlay.

Now that you know all there is to buying hardwood and softwood furniture, browse around our website for some beautiful pieces we provide customers. You’ll be amazed by the large selection of solid wood pieces, and the prices that can’t be beat when you consider how beautiful and durable they are compared to the inexpensive, low quality varieties.