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Softwoods are harvested from trees that take about twenty to twenty-five years to mature. The most prolific wood in this category comes from the family of trees known collectively as pine. Pine is available almost all over the world and is still relatively inexpensive. The trees grow tall and straight, a characteristic which, in years gone by, made them suitable for the masts of sailing vessels as well as large construction beams. Their long, uninterrupted growth makes pine trees perfect for use in the furniture and building industries.

Himalayan cedar

Cedar

Generally the color of liquid honey, most varieties of cedar are aromatic and have a straight, clearly defined grain. Western red cedar is often used in the construction of houses and joinery, while cedar of Lebanon is a popular choice for cabinetmaking as its chemical makeup deters insects. Many varieties in the cedar family are not particularly strong, but they are very durable.

Oregon pine

Oregon Pine (Oregon Cedar, Douglas Fir)

Oregon pine is a popular wood used in country-style furniture. It is easy to work, has a particularly attractive grain, and has a lovely brown-yellow color. This wood gives off a pleasant aroma when being worked.

South African pine

Pine (All Varieties)

Pine is generally a clean white or creamy yellow color. It is easy to work, is in plentiful supply, and is therefore usually inexpensive. Pine can be obtained in a variety of sizes, but good-quality, solid boards are not easy to come by. When selecting pine for furniture making, watch out for knots as they can be a feature or a problem. Knots in timber are caused by the growth of a branch out of the trunk, and if they are “dead” they can fall out of the board (literally!), but if they are “live” they can be a very attractive feature in the finished product.