WoodItGood is supported by its readers. We may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through a link on this page.
Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the different types of softwood.
Now, for those of you who are new to woodworking, softwood comes from those evergreen trees with cones… you know, the ones that keep their needles year-round.
Softwood is fantastic for all sorts of projects, from furniture to fancy trim, and it’s perfect for beginners because it’s usually easier to work with than hardwood, and (BONUS) it tends to be less expensive too!
So, grab yourself a cup of tea and let’s explore some of the most popular types of softwood!
Now if you want to know about more than just softwood, you can get an overview of EVERYTHING over here!
Cedar
This beauty is known for its natural reddish hue and amazing smell.
Cedar is a champion when it comes to resisting rot and decay, making it a superstar for outdoor projects.
Think about building those raised garden beds you’ve been dreaming of, or maybe a fancy new mailbox to greet all your deliveries!
Cedar is also naturally aromatic, so it repels insects… another bonus! However, because it’s a softer wood, it can dent more easily than some other options.
It’s also great for certain indoor furniture. Think about a cedar chest! It’s perfect for storing your linens because bugs just hate it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Naturally rot-resistant | Can be more expensive than some other softwoods |
| Beautiful reddish color | Softer wood, so may dent more easily |
| Pleasant smell |
Cypress
Another champion against rot and decay, cypress is a bit denser than cedar.
That makes it perfect for things that need a little extra strength, like outdoor furniture or even boatbuilding (although maybe hold off on building a whole yacht for your first project!).
Cypress is also known for its tight grain, which means it has a smooth surface and takes stains beautifully. However, this density also makes it a bit trickier to work with for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very rot and decay resistant | Denser than some softwoods, so can be trickier to work with for beginners |
| Strong and durable | More expensive than some other options |
Fir
This type of softwood comes in many varieties, each with its own strengths. One of the most common types is Douglas fir, which is a fantastic choice for construction projects because of its strength and affordability.
Other firs, like white fir, are lightweight and easier to work with, making them perfect for interior trim or building those rustic shelves for your living room.
However, fir is generally not as rot-resistant as cedar or redwood, so keep that in mind for outdoor projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to work with | Not as strong as other types of softwood |
| Affordable | More prone to warping if not dried properly |
| Many varieties to choose from |
Hemlock
Similar to fir, hemlock is another versatile type of softwood that’s good for beginners.
It’s known for its pale color and smooth finish, making it a great choice for furniture projects or those built-in bookshelves you’ve been wanting to tackle.
Hemlock is also relatively easy to find and affordable.
However, like fir, it’s not the most rot-resistant option, so you might want to steer clear of it for outdoor projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to work with | Not as rot-resistant as cedar or redwood |
| Pale color and smooth finish | May have more knots than some other softwoods |
| Affordable |
Pine
Ah, pine!
This is probably the most common softwood out there. It comes in many types, each with its own characteristics.
For example, white pine is a favorite for furniture making because of its light weight and easy workability.
Yellow pine, on the other hand, is denser and stronger, making it a good option for structural projects. Generally though, pine is affordable, easy to find, and perfect for all sorts of projects… from simple picture frames to those adorable wooden toy trucks the kiddos will love.
However, pine can be prone to warping if not dried properly, and some types of pine can be quite knotty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and readily available | Can be prone to warping if not dried properly |
| Easy to work with | Soft and may dent more easily |
| Many varieties to choose from | Some types of pine can be quite knotty |
Redwood
This giant of the softwood world is known for its reddish color and incredible resistance to rot and insects.
Redwood is perfect for outdoor projects you want to last a lifetime, like decks or siding for your charming cottage.
Redwood is a heavyweight champ, literally… it’s denser than most other types of softwoods. This makes it incredibly strong and durable, but also a little trickier to saw and nail.
Plus, because of its slow growth and limited range, redwood can be more expensive than other options.
But hey, if you’re building something you want to pass down to your grandkids, redwood is a fantastic choice!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent rot and insect resistance | More expensive than most other softwoods |
| Beautiful reddish color | Limited availability in some regions |
Spruce
This lightweight wood is another good option for beginners.
Spruce is often used for soundboards in instruments (think violins!), because it’s good at resonating sound.
It’s also a popular choice for building light furniture or those cute little decorative boxes you might sell at your next craft fair.
Spruce is plentiful, affordable, and easy to work with. However, it’s not the strongest wood out there, and it can be prone to warping if not dried properly.
So, maybe avoid using it for your grandma’s rocking chair, but it’s perfect for those DIY projects where weight and beauty are key.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to work with | Not very strong |
| Affordable | More prone to warping than some other softwoods |
Yew
Now, yew is a special case.
It’s a beautiful wood, with a rich, reddish-brown color and a tight grain that makes it perfect for fine detail work.
But here’s the thing: yew is super toxic.
All parts of the yew tree contain poisonous compounds, so you really have to be careful when working with it.
Respirators are your friend.
This is a job for experienced woodworkers with proper safety gear, and definitely not recommended for someone just starting out. And no matter who you are, do NOT make bowls or cutlery out of it.
(P.S, you can learn more about woodworking safety here.)
This is not a wood to use as your next dinner plate.
If you do see yew offered at a lumberyard, it’s probably best to admire it from afar and stick to something safer for your next project!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful reddish-brown color | Very toxic, all parts of the tree |
| Tight grain, good for detail work | Not for beginners |
There you have it, my friends! This is just a taste of the many types of softwood available.
Remember, the best wood for your project depends on what you’re making and where it will live. But no matter what you choose, softwood is a fantastic option for creating beautiful and long-lasting projects.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t be shy! Leave a comment below and let’s chat. Happy crafting!
P.S. Soon we’ll be diving into some easy beginner projects you can make with these awesome softwoods. Stay tuned!