Natural Timber Characteristics: Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
Imagine walking into a furniture store. You notice a sleek mahogany dining table and a sturdy pine bookshelf. Both are made of wood, yet they serve different purposes and exhibit distinct properties. What makes them so different? The answer lies in the natural characteristics of timber, specifically, whether it's hardwood or softwood.
The Biological Basis of Classification
Timber is classified into two main groups: hardwoods and softwoods. Surprisingly, these terms don’t directly refer to how hard or soft the wood feels. Instead, they are rooted in the biological structure and growth patterns of the trees.
Hardwood: Complex Structure and Diverse Applications
Hardwoods come from angio sperms, or flowering trees, which produce seeds enclosed in fruits (e.g., acorns, apples). These trees are typically broad-leaved and can be deciduous (shedding leaves seasonally) or evergreen. Hardwoods thrive in varied climates, from temperate regions like Europe and North America to tropical zones in South America and Southeast Asia.
Structurally, hardwoods have two main cell types:
- Vessels: Large, thin-walled cells responsible for transporting water and nutrients.
- Fibres: Smaller cells that contribute to the wood's strength and rigidity.
This complex cell structure gives hardwoods their characteristic density, strength, and durability. However, not all hardwoods are "hard." For example, balsa, a hardwood, is among the lightest and softest woods available.
