Types of wood – Knowing Hardwood – Softwood

Types of wood – Durability in hard and softwood looks slightly different when deciding which type of wood to use, so it’s important that you understand your needs before choosing the appropriate type of plywood. Mega Plywood Indonesia will give you some information that might be useful.

The Difference between Hardwood and Softwood

1.Hardwood

To know more Hardwood comes from different tree species. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, such as beech, blackwood, oak, hickory, mahogany, maple, teak, and walnut. Hardwood trees are characterized by losing their leaves and growing more slowly. This slow growth phase is what makes hardwood a more expensive option. If you cut it, you can see that the wood fibers are tighter and more uniform, which makes the trunk very dense. Indonesia is one of the countries that have a variety of export-quality hardwoods.

2.Softwood

The softwood tree family consists of gymnosperms or conifers. They are characterized by not losing their leaves, this type of wood is dubbed as evergreen, and is easily detected by most people. Conifers grow quickly, with just a plot of land you can regenerate this type of plant within ten years. Common types of wood used as softwood plywood are pine, redwood, spruce, Douglas fit, cedar, and fir. These trees are easier to cut down because their trunks are less dense and their fibers are wider, more knotted, and inconsistent than hardwood trees. In addition to hardwoods, Indonesia has an ample supply of softwoods.

Uses of Hardwood and Softwood

Types of wood – Judging from the density and grain of each wood, we can determine its best use. You might think that hardwood is denser and sturdier, so it’s better used for framing buildings. You should know that the density of hardwood makes it less ideal for building projects. When driving nails into hardwood, it usually causes the wood to split, making it useless. So instead, you have to drill holes first to screw into the hardwood. This takes a lot of time and attention, and often, time is precious in the construction process.

Alternatively, you can use softwood because it is more flexible and easy to utilize. Softwood has a wide grain that can be nailed without compromising its integrity. Softwood is often used as framing timber, for studs, joints, and beams. It is usually used on the outside of walls, for molding and framing windows and doors. But because it’s less dense, it’s better used in areas where doors don’t get too much traffic, either as trim or furniture that doesn’t hold too much weight. Softwood can also be engineered to make medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is often used to complement hardwood in furniture.

Endurance

For durability and strength, hardwood can be a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects, such as flooring, outdoor paneling, or decks. Hardwood types are not affected by seasonal changes, so they are less likely to warp, expand or contract, and are more fire-resistant.

This type is suitable for furniture, especially dining tables that require a lot of wear and tear. Hardwood is more resistant to stains than softwood, as it has a high density.

Cost is the most significant factor in making construction decisions, but initial costs should be considered established on products that are likely to last.

If you want to renovate your home using softwood for the flooring, it is cheaper to renovate initially. But in the future, you will have trouble because the floor will need to be replaced more often than if you use hardwood.

So, when choosing wood, consider its lifespan and best use in addition to the initial cost. Mega Plywood Indonesia has various types of export-quality Indonesian plywood that can be customized according to your needs. Consult your needs with us so that the project at hand can run smoothly.