What Is Softwood?

Softwood is wood or lumber that comes from a specific type of tree. Softwood comes from evergreen or coniferous trees. The term softwood does not have to do with how strong a piece of wood is. Consequently, softwood is frequently used for construction and home cabinetry. In fact, about 80% of all timber comes from softwoods.

Softwoods are gymnosperms. Their seeds fall to the ground as is without a protective covering. Softwoods are usually conifers, which means they produce cones. Gymnosperms or softwood trees are typically evergreen and they stay green all year through the cold months. Unlike hardwood trees that lose their leaves and go dormant in the winter, softwood trees keep their leaves and remain active.