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Hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods for one main reason, and that is the time it takes for a hardwood to reach maturity i.e. when the tree is fully grown and can provide the most quality wood.
Hardwoods typically take over 100 years to reach maturity although there are faster growing species such as Bamboo.
* Note that bamboo is not a tree but classified as a grass.
Hardwood is more expensive than softwoods, as the trees take much longer to grow, and is used in more quality 'joinery' jobs (nice furniture), expensive flooring, or outside areas which are exposed to the weather like front doors or outdoor furniture.
It is often used on expensive window frames as it looks great and lasts for years.
On floors as it is very hard wearing.
a hardwod such as Teak is commonly used for outdoor furniture as it has a tight grain which makes it diffcult for water to get into the wood
Typically being harder, it is much harder to work with but you can get a great finish.
It doesn't split as easily such as a Softwood like Pine.
Examples of Hardwoods are:
Examples of Hardwoods are:
Beech
Modern and sleek, and typically used for childrens toys
Mahogany
Rich colour and a 'classic' wood, typically used for expensive furniture
European Oak
English Oak, which was very common, is now not used as it is protected. European Oak is a tough wood used for mid to expensive furniture.
American Black Walnut
Exquisite and striking. Very strong grain pattern. Used for flooring.
Teak
SE Asia wood commonly used for outdoor furniture as it has a tight grain stopping water absorption
Ash
Beautiful, light grained wood. Used for picture frames and furniture
Cherry
Used for fine furniture and cabinet making, musical instruments and doors.
Zebbrano
Very stripey wood grain and used for decorative effect.
Applications for hardwoods
Applications for hardwoods
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