The classification as soft wood and hard wood has commercial significance. The difference between soft wood and hard wood is described below:
- The color of soft wood is light whereas the color of hard wood is dark.
- Annual rings are seen distinctly while in hard wood they are indistinct in soft wood.
- Soft woods are hard and light woods are heavy.
- Soft woods contain lesser strength in compression and shear compared to hard woods.
- The structure of soft wood is resinous whereas structure of hard wood is close grained.
- Fire resistance of soft wood is poorly compared to that of hard wood.