There’s some great trivia for you to remember next time you are raking the leaves in the fall! They reproduce with a flowering plant and feature broad, veined leaves that famously turn colors every autumn and fall to the ground. These trees are primarily deciduous and are found in temperate and tropical forests all over the world. The main difference between hardwood vs softwood lumber is the type of tree from which they originate. Essential Differences of Hardwood vs Softwood: Origin Below we compare hardwood vs softwood, explain the differences between these two categories, and when and where to use each type. This is (mostly) true! However, it’s a little more complex than just the density of the timber. On the surface, it may seem obvious: softwood is soft, and hardwood is hard. With so much in common, you might be wondering what makes these two types of wood different from one another. It is helpful to understand the basics of hardwood vs softwood to help you make informed choices when selecting the materials for your project. While both types of wood are versatile, durable, and pleasing to the eye, each have their specific use cases. Hardwood vs Softwood – Reliance Timber’s Guideįrom a beautiful, handcrafted dining room table to the walls of your new storage shed, choosing the right kind of wood can affect the outcome of your project.