Woods: hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards

Wood is one of the oldest design materials. But a 'hardwood' is not always hard: the name tells you which kind of tree it comes from.

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Hardwoods and softwoods

Hardwoods come from deciduous broad-leaved trees, which usually lose their leaves in winter. They grow slowly, so they are often more expensive.
Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which have needles and cones and are mostly evergreen. They grow faster, so they are usually cheaper.
The names describe the tree, not how hard the wood is: balsa is a very soft, light hardwood.
TypeExampleTypical use
HardwoodOakQuality furniture, flooring
HardwoodBeechToys, kitchen utensils, workbench tops
HardwoodBalsaModels (very light)
SoftwoodPineBuilding, joinery, cheap furniture
SoftwoodCedarOutdoor uses such as sheds and fences

Manufactured boards

Manufactured boards are made by gluing wood layers, particles or fibres together. They come in large, flat sheets, usually 2440 mm × 1220 mm.
MDF (medium density fibreboard): wood fibres and resin. Smooth surface, easy to cut and paint; good for laser cutting.
Plywood: thin layers (veneers) glued with the grain of each layer at 90° to the next. Strong, and less likely to split or warp than solid wood.
Chipboard: wood chips and resin. Cheap; often covered with a veneer or laminate for flat-pack furniture.

Grain and finishes

Natural wood has grain: lines of fibres that run along the tree. Wood is stronger along the grain and splits more easily along it.
Wood can twist, warp or rot if it gets wet. Finishes such as varnish, paint, wood stain, oil and wax protect it and improve its look.
Wood from well-managed forests can be replaced by planting new trees. The FSC logo shows wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Worked example

A designer needs a cheap, smooth material for a painted, laser-cut box. Should they use oak or MDF? Explain.

  1. Oak is a hardwood: expensive and has a grain pattern.
  2. MDF is a manufactured board: cheap, smooth and has no grain.
  3. MDF cuts well on a laser cutter and takes paint well.

Answer: MDF, because it is cheaper, smooth, takes paint well and laser cuts cleanly.

Key idea

Hardwoods come from deciduous broad-leaved trees (oak, beech, balsa); softwoods come from coniferous trees (pine, cedar). Manufactured boards (MDF, plywood, chipboard) come in large, stable sheets.

Key words
Hardwood
Wood from broad-leaved trees, usually deciduous, such as oak, beech and balsa.
Deciduous
Trees that usually lose their leaves in winter. Hardwoods come from broad-leaved trees, most of which are deciduous.
MDF
Medium density fibreboard: wood fibres and resin pressed into smooth, flat sheets.
Plywood
A manufactured board of thin wood layers glued with the grain of each layer at 90° to the next.
Density
Density = mass ÷ volume, for example in g/cm³.

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  1. Softwoods come from which kind of tree?

    1. Broad-leaved trees
    2. Coniferous trees, which are usually evergreen
    3. Palm trees only
    4. Any soft tree
    Show the answer

    Answer: Coniferous trees, which are usually evergreen

    Softwoods come from conifers.

  2. Which of these is a hardwood?

    1. Pine
    2. Spruce
    3. Larch
    4. Beech
    Show the answer

    Answer: Beech

    Beech is broad-leaved.

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Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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