We released Cutlist. Your one-stop solution for precision sheet wood cutting and edge-banding. Try it now!
The Wood Bible

Soft wood

Soft woods are a category of wood that have a low density and a low strength.

What is it?

Soft woods are a category of wood that have a low density and a low strength. Softwoods are typically light in weight and come from conifer trees such as spruce, pine, cedar, redwood, and fir. It tends to be easier to work with than hardwoods due to its lightness, but it is not as durable. Softwoods take stain and paint well, but they do not take nails as easily as hardwoods. Softwood is typically used for structural framing, flooring, and other construction projects.

In comparison to hardwoods, softwoods tend to be less expensive and more readily available. They have a less consistent appearance and a more natural color thanks to their open grain structure. Softwoods are also less prone to shrinking and warping over time due to their lower density and lower strength. This makes them a popular choice for trim and DIY projects. They also take cuts and bends much easier than hardwoods.

What are the benefits?

Soft woods are an excellent choice for many kinds of projects because of their malleability and affordability. Softwoods, unlike hardwoods, are light in weight, making them ideal for constructing furniture and building projects. They don't require special machinery for cutting and shaping, so are much cheaper than their harder counterparts.

Soft woods, because of their relative lightness and malleability, are easier to stain and paint, making them highly popular for anything from doors and windows to furniture, flooring and walls. They can be cut and adjusted with much more ease than other woods, making them ideal for DIY projects, as they can be crafted with much less effort than other materials. Softwoods absorb glue and nails better, making them easier to work with during construction.

In addition to these practical benefits, soft woods are also much more affordable than other woods, often making them an ideal option for those working within a budget. Soft woods are also generally less prone to warping over time, making them suitable for long-term projects.

Find out more about what materials we work with here.

Upload your CAD file.
Get a quote.
All within 12 hours.

There’s no other wood manufacturing partner in the world that can get you a quote as fast as we can.