Hard and Semi-Hard Wood Species: What You Need to Know?
In the Fascinating World of Carpentry and Construction: What You Need to Know About Hard and Semi-Hard Wood Species
In the fascinating world of carpentry and construction, understanding the distinction between “hard” and “soft” woods is crucial to ensuring the longevity and quality of our projects. But what exactly defines a wood as “hard”? Let’s delve into this topic to provide you with a comprehensive and updated overview.
What is “Hard” Wood and Why is it Important?
When we talk about “hard” woods, we refer to those that possess superior mechanical strengths and significantly high density. This high density translates into a greater capacity to withstand the effects of time, humidity, and temperature, making them the ideal choice for applications that require such exposure, such as high-traffic decks and exterior cladding.
In contrast, “soft” woods are less dense and, while suitable for certain interior design and carpentry projects, do not offer the same resistance as their harder counterparts.
In our selection of hard woods, we work with a variety of carefully selected species, including Teak, Curupay, Garapa, Jatoba, Cumaru, and IPE. These woods, imported from countries like Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, offer a unique combination of physical-mechanical properties that make them ideal for demanding exterior applications.
On the other hand, semi-hard woods, such as Cumala, White Cachimbo, Eucalyptus regnans, and pine, are lighter and less dense options, but still provide remarkable performance in a variety of interior projects.
See Below a Table with the Main Properties of Our Species and Their Uses:
| Species | Density | Recommended Use | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumaru | 950 kg/m³ | Decking-Flooring-Cladding | Interior/Exterior |
| Garapa | 900 kg/m³ | Decking-Flooring-Cladding | Interior/Exterior |
| Curupay | 1030 kg/m³ | Decking-Flooring-Cladding | Interior/Exterior |
| Teak | 650 kg/m³ | Decking-Flooring-Cladding | Interior/Exterior |
| Cumala | 550 kg/m³ | Furniture | Interior |
| White Cachimbo | 590 kg/m³ | Cladding-Flooring | Interior |
| Pine | 450 kg/m³ | Furniture | Interior |
Source: Own
Conclusion: Investing in Quality and Durability
By understanding the importance and characteristics of hard woods, you can make informed decisions when selecting materials for your projects. Whether for a wear-resistant terrace deck or a long-lasting exterior cladding, hard woods are the smart choice for those seeking quality and enduring performance.
At Pacific Forest, we are committed to offering you the best options in hard and semi-hard woods, backed by our expert knowledge and our commitment to excellence in every project. Contact us today to discover how we can help you bring your projects to life with the highest quality wood!