Softwoods and hardwoods are often misunderstood. People don’t tend to know the difference between them. So it’s important that we allow you, the customer, to understand this difference. Especially if you’re planning to purchase a wooden bed frame from us.
Pine comes from gymnosperm trees that tend to have needles and cones. Approximately 80% of all timber comes from softwoods. Softwoods have a wide range of uses, of course one of these is the manufacture of wooden bed frames, as well as: doors; paper; Christmas trees and much more.
Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, they are usually broad-leaved. These trees tend to take 80 – 100 years to grow to full size. Hardwoods tends to be used in furniture as they often have a more aesthetic appearance than Softwoods.
Softwood bed frame examples – Pine; Cedar; Douglas Fir; Juniper; Redwood and Spruce.
Hardwood bed frame examples –Oak bed frames; Walnut; Beech; Mahogany and Maple.
The main difference between hardwood and softwood is their cellular structure. Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which have seeds enclosed in fruits or nuts, while softwood comes from gymnosperm trees, which have seeds that are not enclosed by fruits or nuts. Here are some other key differences between hardwood and softwood:
Hardness: Hardwood is generally harder and denser than softwood, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear. This is why hardwood is often used for flooring, furniture, and other applications where durability is important.
Grain pattern: Hardwood has a more complex and varied grain pattern than softwood, which gives it a more distinctive and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Softwood, on the other hand, has a simpler and more uniform grain pattern.
Price: Hardwood is usually more expensive than softwood, partly because it grows more slowly and is therefore more scarce. Softwood, on the other hand, grows faster and is more abundant.
Uses: Hardwood is often used for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, while softwood is used for construction, paper production, and other industrial applications.
It's worth noting that some hardwoods are actually softer than some softwoods, so the terms "hardwood" and "softwood" don't always accurately describe the physical properties of the wood.
Another big difference is the availability of pine. Pine trees take around 5 – 10 years to fully grow. This is significantly less time than it takes for a hardwood tree, which take 80-100 years. This means that they can easily be replanted and demand for pine can be met more easily.
