Softwoods

Softwoods are taken from coniferous trees. Coniferous trees keep their leaves all through the year and grow more quickly than hardwoods. This means that the timber made from softwood trees have a wide grain but are not as strong.

Softwoods can grow quickly, reaching maturity in about 35 years depending on the tree. This makes softwood cheaper and more suitable for commercial exploitation.

Unlike many hardwoods, softwoods can be sourced in Britain and other European countries where the forests are responsibly managed.