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There are 2 families of timber: Hardwood and Softwood.                                                Examples of Softwoods:  Scots Pine; Douglas Fir; Redwood; Parana Pine.   They grow quickly and are therefore relatively low cost, used for construction work and cheap furniture
The American Redwood found in California grows so tall and wide that some have had roads put through the middle. One tree is 950 years old.

 

 

 

Examples of Hardwoods:   Oak; Beech; Mahogany; Ash; Elm.  Slow growing with 250,000 varieties of tree, more expensive and used for furniture and high quality work.

    

The Major Oak in Nottingham Forest, there at the time of Robin Hood, is between 800 and 1000 years old.  It is a hardwood.  It's branches have become so big that they are supported with scaffolding.  Estimated weight 23 tons.

Legend has it that once upon a time Robin Hood hid from his enemies inside the hollow of the Major Oak

 

            

 Factoids:

Hardwoods:  Oak, Ash, Beech, Mahogany, Teak, Elm, Ash and many more ........... Hardwoods have broad leaves which they shed in the winter. Used for furniture, shop fitting and high class work.  Quite expensive.

   

Softwoods:  Scots Pine, Douglas Fir, Redwood, Parana Pine and lots more......  Quite often called just "pine or deal".  Softwoods have needles and cones and are evergreen. Used mainly in the building trade for construction, floors, joists, roofing and door frames, also for cheap furniture and much more.  Relatively cheap to buy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GS60