When you're starting a building project—whether it's a deck, a new room, or even a piece of furniture—it helps to know what kind of wood type to use.
“Not all wood is created equal when it comes to building materials, so it’s important to understand the key differences — especially between deciduous and coniferous wood, which can also be categorized as hard wood vs. soft wood,” says Michael DiMartino, SVP of Installations at Power Home Remodeling.
Next time you're starting a project, remember that different types of wood have different strengths, textures, and uses. Some are great for the structure of a house, others are better for furniture or trim work. Simply put, understanding the different categories of wood makes your project better.
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: What’s the Difference?
Hardwood species are a popular choice; they come from deciduous trees—those with broad leaves that bloom in spring and drop leaves in fall. They're available in a wide range of grain patterns and colors for aesthetic appeal. Think oak wood, cherry wood, maple, or walnut. These are dense, durable woods often used for things you see and touch:
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Furniture
- Interior doors
- Wood trim like crown molding or chair rails
But don’t use hardwood for the structure of a house. “Deciduous trees are not used for structural purposes; if a home was framed out of oak, it would fail inspection," explains DiMartino.
Softwoods come from coniferous trees—those with needles and cones that stay green all year. Cone-bearing trees include pine, spruce, and douglas fir. Softwoods have structural integrity, and that's why builders use them to make houses stand up. “These woods are very strong in both compression and structural strength,” noted DiMartino. He goes on to explain that they're common construction woods. “Typically the structure of a home is built using coniferous construction lumber.” You’ll find softwoods in:
- Framing
- Stair stringers
- Plywood
- OSB panels (oriented strand board)
Choosing the Right Wood for the Job
The “best” construction wood depends on the job you’re doing. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Different types of common wood serve different needs.
For framing or any structural application, go with softwoods like pine or fir. They’re strong, relatively lightweight, and cost-effective. For visible interior pieces, choose a popular hardwoods like oak or maple to add style and wood durability.
Want something long-lasting outdoors? Then pressure-treated wood products are an excellent choice. “Pressure-treated lumber is used for projects like deck boards, framing, and railings," reminds DiMartino.
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Use softwood for:
- Building frames
- Roof trusses
- Wall studs
- Subfloors, and other structural elements requiring tensile strength
Use hardwood:
- Interior doors
- Stairs and railings
- Flooring
- Built-in shelving
- Decorative trim, and other woodworking projects. It's even a great choice for furniture.
Pressure-treated wood is the ideal choice for outdoor projects like:
- Deck boards
- Outdoor stairs
- Railings
- Fence posts
- Garden beds (yes, it's fine to use pressure treated wood for the garden)
Pressure-Treated Wood: What to Know
Pressure-treated lumber soaked in chemicals to help resist rot, bugs, and moisture. It’s not meant for indoor use, but it’s great for anything that sits outside year-round. That said, remember that it can still crack or fade over time, so it’s not totally maintenance-free.
“To clean, simply pressure wash, let it dry, stain it, and then apply a sealant,” says DiMartino. That helps it last longer, but don’t expect it to stay perfect forever. “Even though it’s pressure treated, it will still grey, splinter, and wear over time due to constant weather exposure.”
Composite Wood: A Low-Maintenance Option
Sometimes, people refer to synthetic or composite materials as “wood,” but they aren’t actually wood. “Synthetic wood or composite wood is actually not wood at all — it’s a form of vinyl,” notes DiMartino.
You’ve probably heard of Trex or similar brands. These materials are popular for decks because they don’t rot or need sealing like real wood does. You can wash composite decking boards with soap and water, and that’s it.
Synthetic wood is also used indoors. “[This is] better known as vinyl wood flooring,” adds DiMartino. “These also are extremely low maintenance; no need to stain or refinish, and can withstand high-traffic exposure.”
What About Plywood and OSB?
Both plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) are made by pressing wood pieces together with adhesives. They're used mostly where strength matters but appearance doesn’t—like under floors or behind walls. OSB is cheaper but more sensitive to moisture. Plywood costs more but holds up better over time, especially in humid conditions.
