As an architect or builder, you know it is the finest detail that makes any home stand out. Those fine details include wood millwork like paneling, casings, molding, and shelving. Though these wood elements stay in the background, they lend a finishing flourish to any room or entryway. 
For making your millwork truly stand out it is best to opt for custom millwork. The first and most crucial step of custom millwork is picking the right kind of wood. However, with a variety of options available in the market, choosing the right wood can be a daunting task. Let’s help you out in your search for the right type of wood. 
 
HARDWOOD vs. SOFTWOOD
 
Narrowing down your search to softwood and hardwood is the best to start. Both types are widely incorporated as wood elements in home construction, but they are quite different. 
 
The fundamental difference occurs on a structural level. Hardwood has pores in it which contribute to its beautiful grain patterns. Its structure provides an added advantage of fire-resistance. Despite its differing straight tubes structure, softwood can stun remarkable grains depending on the types of species. However, its internal structure makes it a poor fire-resistant. 
 
HARDWOOD MILLWORK
 
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees- those flowering trees that shed their leaves in the fall. As the name implies, hardwood offers better damage resistance over time. However, its slower growth makes it pricier than softwoods. 
 
Hardwood offers exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for construction projects and outdoor decking. These types are easier to maintain and less likely to rot and decay. Hardwoods are revered for wooden flooring for its remarkably varying natural colors, styles, and patterns. Hardwoods are available in a wide range of colors and finishes and will fit perfectly in any setting.
 
A few examples of hardwood with their distinguishing features are listed below: 
 
  • Oak: offers fungus and insect resistance
  • Teak: provides weather and insect resistance, making it perfect for outdoor elements
  • Walnut: provides incredible sturdiness 
  • Poplar: offers flexibility and soft unlike most hardwoods
  • Mahogany: offers rot-resistance and ease in molding
 
SOFTWOOD MILLWORK
Softwood comes from gymnosperms- those evergreen trees that grow to incredible heights. Their straight growth makes it easier to chop them down in straight planks. 
 
Softwoods are readily available and are less pricey than hardwoods. Their internal structuring makes them easier to chop, mold, bend, and cut.  They are incorporated into a broad range of installation applications.
 
Softwood is commonly used for building furniture, doors windows, and beautiful ceilings. 
A few examples of softwoods with their distinct features are listed below: 
 
  • Cedar: offers a crisp scent along with its termite and rot repulsion characteristics
  • Pine: lightweight and allows meticulous carving 
  • Fir: a naturally stable softwood offering powerful weather resistance
  • Redwood: a softwood resistant to UV-rays 
  • Spruce: its superior strength and lightweight makes it versatile for indoor and outdoor features
 
Handcraft Inc. focuses on providing high-end millwork solutions for commercial and residential projects. We have the eye to find the perfect wood for your needs and 30-year experience to tackle any custom woodwork job. We can help you decide on which type of wood is best for the millwork project you have in mind. Set a standard with our custom millwork and make your abodes stand out from the rest. 
 
Whether you are a woodwork enthusiast or a looking for the best wood for your furniture in Seattle, Handcraft Inc. is here to satisfy your every need. Contact us today for a free estimate.
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