You have likely heard the terms hardwood and softwood if you have been around any sort of project or person involved with wood. But what do they really mean, and which should be used for cutting boards?
The difference starts with the types of trees that produce each type of wood. Deciduous trees, which produce hardwood, drop their leaves every autumn. They can take up to 150 years before being ready to harvest, which is much slower than their softwood counterparts. This extra time results in denser and heavier wood. The more complex and condensed structure of hardwood also means that it fares better when exposed to the elements, which points directly to its durability.
Softwood comes from coniferous trees, which are the needle-bearing trees that stay green year-round. These trees grow for about 40 years before they are ready to be harvested. The seeds from coniferous trees, such as pine cones, disperse easily. Because of this, these trees replenish faster and therefore make an incredible contribution to our beautiful forest ecosystems.
Hardwoods and softwoods can be distinguished by the following characteristics: grain, color, hardness, and weight. Hardwoods have a more pronounced grain, are generally darker in color, have a strength that makes them harder to scratch and wear, and have a higher density and weight. Softwoods are characterized by a less pronounced grain, lighter color, lower resistance to scratches and chipping, and are lighter in weight.
Examples of hardwoods include oak, maple, walnut, beech, and ash. Examples of softwoods include cedar, pine, spruce, fir, and redwood.
When it comes to cutting boards, hardwood is the clear choice. It offers the durability needed to withstand everyday chopping and has the tighter grain that suits it to make contact with food and moisture.
All products from Feather & Grain are made from hardwoods, specifically maple and walnut. Maple is the primary wood used for our cutting boards, as it is widely recognized for its strength, reliability, and tight grain.
(Photo by Nick Marsilio | Marsilio Media)