Wood Species

What is the difference between a hardwood species and a softwood species?

Hardwood species are typically trees that lose their leaves annually, whereas softwood species remain evergreen.

Hardwoods are usually denser than softwoods, but not always.

In general, the more dense the wood, the stronger and more durable.

Determining the right species to use depends on your product.

There are many factors to consider when choosing which wood species to work with:

  • Wear and tear
  • Exterior or interior use
  • Durability
  • Strength needed
  • Will the product be finished or will the natural wood show through?

Typical Hardwood Species

  • Ash
  • Basswood
  • Beech
  • Birch
  • Mahogany
  • Maple
  • Oak
  • Poplar
  • Sycamore
  • Walnut
  • …and more!

Typical Softwood Species

  • Ponderosa Pine
  • Southern Yellow Pine
  • White Pine
  • Cypress
  • Douglas Fir
  • Spruce
  • …and more!

Learn More About Wood Species

Explore The Wood Database for information on a wide variety of wood species.

This resource provides detailed data on wood characteristics, durability, and applications, helping you make informed decisions about the materials best suited to your project needs.

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