How does softwood grow

Softwood timber is mostly used for sheathing, roofing, framing, ceilings, furniture, molding, doors, and windows. Because softwoods grow at a faster rate, sustainability is much more attainable. Softwood trees are a very renewable resource, and the replanting of them has grown the United States timber basket in softwood-friendly regions. Softwood timbers are ideal for fencing, porch pillars, decks, docks, walkways, and outdoor projects. Hardwoods produce a stylish, high-performing grained wood that is generally used for flooring and furniture.

It is very dense, making it difficult to carve and maneuver, but it offers good tensile and shear strength. Because of its easy maintenance, hardwoods make beautiful flooring. Hardwoods are easy to clean; scratches and dents are easily fixed.

They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes and have a high resistance to fire. Imagine a Louisiana live oak. Hardwoods such as beech, maple and walnut are usually reserved for bespoke joinery projects, crafting furniture, wooden flooring and fine veneers. These types are hardwood are most suitable for these tasks as they desire particular aesthetic characteristics, such as colour and woodgrain.

At Arnold Laver we have experience with hardwood gained over decades of meeting the exact timber requirements of companies and individuals. We carry what we believe to be one of the widest timber-based product ranges in the UK, and we pride ourselves on the high standards of timber.

We aim to be able to meet virtually any hardwood requirement from stock. We also offer a full machining service and can supply everything from a simple length of timber to intricate mouldings. Softwood is renowned for its versatility and strength. Sourced from all over the globe, with a large breadth of applications and a remarkably aesthetic appeal, softwood can be used across a broad range of internal and external projects — from furniture and flooring to decking, landscaping, external joinery and structural applications.

Softwoods are more readily available and easily manipulated. They also develop at a quicker pace, leading to lower cost levels. They are flexible, lighter in weight and less dense than most hardwoods. Softwoods are commonly used for interior mouldings, the manufacturing of windows, construction framing and generating sheet goods such as plywood and fibreboard. At Arnold Laver we have the broadest and most comprehensive range of softwood species and grades to cover all timber requirements.

We have a core range of softwoods held in stock at all of our branches, backed up by daily supplies from our National Distribution Centre. As well as standard products, bespoke requirements are our speciality, with machining, grading and treatment facilities available group-wide.

A fire built from softwood entirely will light fast, and pop and crackle too, with large flames. The Science:. Hardwood — This wood comes from angiosperm trees — also called flowering plants that have seeds, which are enclosed within a sort of ovary. These trees are usually broad-leaved and have vessels, which transport water thought out the wood. Softwood — This wood comes from gymnosperm trees, which usually have needles and cones. Medullary rays sheets or ribbons extending vertically through the tree, perpendicular to the growth rings and tracheids a type of water-conducting cell transport water and produce sap.

There is no clear winner here, as both hard and softwood have their advantages and disadvantages, listed below. The best wood for you will depend on your specific circumstances. E [email protected].