What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Softwood is coniferous (like pine) meaning that the tree grows quickly and has large growth rings. This makes for a softer structured material that is easy to cut.
Hardwood refers to to non-coniferous, often exotic timber that takes a long time to grow with very dense growth rings. This provides a strong material to work with. Mostly used for features in furniture like handles, profiling, feet and support details.

LD
Answered by Leda D. Design & Technology tutor

2893 Views

See similar Design & Technology A Level tutors

Related Design & Technology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How the 'Wizard of Oz' Film Influenced Fashion


Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of two different energy storage systems.


Name 3 types of wood joint.


Explain why a polymer may be more suitable for bottles than glass


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning