What Makes a Wood “Softwood”?
Contrary to what the name suggests, the classification of softwood versus hardwood isn’t about the wood’s physical hardness. It’s actually based on the tree’s biological classification – softwoods come from cone-bearing trees (gymnosperms/conifers), while hardwoods come from flowering plants (angiosperms).
British Larch (Larix decidua)
British larch stands out among softwoods for its unique characteristics:
- A deciduous conifer that sheds its needles in winter
- Naturally durable and relatively dense for a softwood
- Develops a rich, golden-brown heartwood
- Known for its excellent weather resistance
- Widely used in outdoor applications and construction