Hardwood grading: hardwood vs softwood
When considering and selecting a species of hardwood, note the differences between hardwoods and their counterpart softwoods:
Hardwoods
- Durable and suitable for heavy foot traffic
- Longer lifespan
- Often are prefinished and/or stained
- Feature darker tones
- Higher cost
- Include: Maple, Oak, Walnut
Softwood
- Less durable; Soft & flexible
- More prone to dings and scratches over time
- Often lighter tones
- Lower price than most Hardwood options
- Includes: Pine and Spruce
