What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

In general, hardwood comes from a deciduous tree which loses its leaves annually and softwood comes from a conifer, which usually remains evergreen. Hardwoods tend to be more dense

The denser a wood is, the harder, stronger, and more durable it is. Most hardwoods have a higher density than softwoods.

When it comes to doors and windows, hardwoods are far more common, and with good reason. Softwood however is less expensive than Hardwood.

Whilst Hardwood is typically more expensive, this has to be factored against the longevity of Hardwood making it potentially more cost effective in the long run with reduced maintenance costs and increased lifespan.

Sapele is a very strong, stable and durable tropical hardwood that is very well suited to joinery manufacture.

The timber is sourced from West Africa and the Cameroon and is classified as moderately durable with a Class 3 to 4 durability rating.

It is very attractive, thanks to its dark reddish brown appearance.

With Sapele there is no requirement for preservation treatment as the wood lacks permeability which makes it resistant to treatment, this does also make it particularly suitable for heritage properties.

Although all wood is extremely susceptible to fire, hardwoods are naturally more fire resistant than softwoods. This makes it perfect for properties that may have had a history of fire-damage, or that are particularly vulnerable to fire damage.

And whilst hardwoods are, in fact, hard, softwoods are not really soft; they're simply more susceptible to dents and knocks. Impervious to such incidental damage, durable hardwoods such as Sapele have become virtually synonymous with properties in conservation areas.