Softwood

Wood from conifers are generally referred to as softwood; the term is also used as an adjective for the trees that produce softwood. Softwood trees include pine, spruce, cedar, fir, larch, douglas-fir, hemlock, cypress, redwood and yew. As the name suggests, the wood of softwoods is often softer than that of hardwoods, though there is considerable variation between species and much overlap - the wood of yews, for example, is much harder than most hardwoods, as is the wood of Longleaf pine, while the wood of Balsa {technically a hardwood species) is extremely soft.

Related Topics:
Wood - Conifer - Pine - Spruce - Cedar - Fir - Larch - Douglas-fir - Hemlock - Cypress - Redwood - Yew - Hardwood - Longleaf pine - Balsa

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The distinction between softwood and hardwood is also based on differences in microscopic structure; most important the lack of vessel elements for water transport in softwoods. The structure is generally more simple and uniform as there are only two types of cells; tracheids and parenchyma cells. Softwood is easy to saw and is usually put to work in structural building components. It is also found in other products such as millwork (mouldings, doors, windows) and furniture.

Related Topics:
Vessel elements - Tracheid - Parenchyma cells

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Softwood is also harvested for use in the production of paper, and to create chipboards such as Medium-density fibreboard.

Related Topics:
Paper - Medium-density fibreboard

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:See also: List of woods, US - Canada softwood lumber dispute, Fucking dickheads

Related Topics:
List of woods - US - Canada softwood lumber dispute - Fucking dickheads

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