SOFTWOODS

1. Easy to work with

2. Relatively cheap

3. Readily available

4. May contain knots which will weaken the wood

5. May contain resin pockets which will darken in time & add to aesthetic qualities

USES:

1. Building frames & construction

2. Furniture - needs protection if used outdoors

3. Window frames, roofing, floors, panelling

1. Lightweight but not very strong

2. Expensive

3. Durable against moisture due to natural oils

USES:

1. Outdoor buildings

2. External cladding

1. Low stiffness & resistance to shock

2. Medium bonding strength

3. Non durable

4. Strong but easy to work with

5. Cheap & readily available

USES:

1. Furniture joinery

2. Vehicle bodies

1. Light & soft

2. Good strength & stability

3. Elasticity

4. Not very susceptible to shrinkage

5. Low natural durability can be compensated for by applying a coat of paint

6. Easy to saw

USES:

1. Factory flooring & building/construction

2. External joinery

3. Interior finishing

1. Fairly hard compared to others

2. Subject to low shrinkage

3. Good stability

4. Strong elastic

5. Resistant against fungal & insect infestation

6. Good natural durability 

USES:

1. Building & construction

2. Balconies, stairs, flooring, wall panelling

3. Production of cellulose products