Topic Content:
- Classification of Wood
- Hardwood Vs. Softwood
Wood is classified into two groups, namely hardwood, and softwood. Hardwoods are referred to as deciduous trees while softwoods are coniferous trees.
Note:
Deciduous trees: The word deciduous means to “fall off”, and these trees shed their leaves annually. Most deciduous trees are broadleaved, with wide, flat leaves.
Coniferous trees are often referred to as evergreens, and the name is associated with trees that have needles instead of broad, flat leaves.
Below are the differences between hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood Vs. Softwood:
Hardwood: | Softwood: | |
(1.) | Hardwood trees are found in tropical (hot) regions of the earth. e.g. Africa. | Softwood trees are found in temperate (cold) regions of the earth, like Europe. |
(2.) | Hardwood has broad leaves. eg. Almond tree. | Softwood has slender, thin, needle-like and long leaves. e.g. Palmtree. |
(3.) | Hardwood usually has fat, thick trunks. | The trunks of softwoods are usually slim and taller. |
(4.) | Hardwood is the best wood for all furniture work and for building construction. | Softwood is not suitable for furniture work nor for building construction, since it cannot stand the test of time. |
(5.) | Hardwoods shed their leaves annually. | Softwoods are evergreen since they don’t shed leaves. |
(6.) | Hardwood is called deciduous tree. | Softwood is called coniferous tree. |
(7.) | The heartwood of hardwood is heavy and dark in colour. | The heartwood of softwood is light in weight and has the same colour as sapwood. |
(8.) | Their seeds are enclosed in a seed case. | Their seeds are naked in cones. |
(9.) | Hardwood is dark in colour. | Softwood is almost always light in colour. |
(10.) | Hardwood is more expensive than softwood. | Softwood is less expensive than hardwood. |
(11.) | Examples of hardwood include Iroko, Mahogany, Afara, Obeche, Opepe, Mansonia, Balsam, and Willow. | Examples of softwood include Cypress, Cedar, Pines, Fir, Yew, and Spruce. |






JSCE 2016 Basic Technology Past Question