Comparison chart
Hardwood versus Softwood comparison chart
Hardwood
Definition Trees are usually broad-
leaved. Has vessel elements
that transport water
throughout the wood; under
a microscope, these
elements appear as pores.
Uses hardwoods are more likely to
be found in high-quality
furniture, decks, flooring, and
construction that needs to
last.
Examples Examples of hardwood trees
include alder, balsa, beech,
hickory, mahogany, maple,
oak, teak, and walnut.
Density Most hardwoods have a
higher density than most
softwoods.
Cost Hardwood is typically more
expensive than softwood.
Growth Hardwood has a slower
growth rate.
Shedding Hardwoods shed their leaves Softwoods tend to keep their needles
of leaves over a period of time in throughout the year.
autumn and winter.
Softwood
Trees which usually have needles
and cones. Medullary rays and
tracheids transport water and
produce sap. When viewed under a
microscope, softwoods have no
visible pores because of tracheids.
About 80% of all timber comes from
softwood. Softwoods have a wide
range of applications and are found
in building components (e.g.,
windows, doors), furniture, medium-
density fiberboard (MDF), paper,
Christmas trees, and much more.
Examples of softwood trees are
cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine,
redwood, spruce, and yew.
Most softwoods have a lower density
than most hardwoods.
Softwood is typically less expensive
compared to hardwood.
Softwood has a faster rate of growth.
 Hardwood versus Softwood comparison chart

Hardwood Softwood
Fire More Poor
Resistance
 “HDF is a highly moisture resistant material which is stronger and harder than MDF”
“HDF is far superior compared to standard or premium MDF”

This, unfortunately, is not at all true and is causing confusion for consumers who do not have access to
the correct information.

What is HDF?
HDF (High Density Fibreboard/Hardboard) is like MDF in that it is a man-made composite panel product
that is manufactured from compressed wood fibres. It is a stronger, harder product than MDF with a typical
density of up to 900kg/m3. HDF is predominantly used in laminate flooring products where this density is
required, though other uses include door skins and underlayment.
HDF is a very thin board, with a typical thickness of 3mm-8mm, and is also often supplied perforated,
meaning it is completely inappropriate as a substrate for creating interior mouldings. You may have seen
HDF in your home as it is also commonly used as backing panels for furniture- if so you will understand
how unsuited this material is for creating skirting boards and architrave!

If you see skirting boards and architrave at thicknesses of 15mm and more advertised as being cut from HDF we
would recommend insisting that you see the data sheet or specification for the material being used, as it will
definitely not be an HDF. Most likely it will be a dense grade of MDF being sold under the wrong name.
 This image demonstrates the difference between various wood panel products- HDF (hardboard) can be seen on the
far left, with the MDF on the far right being standard 18mm thickness.

Why The Confusion?

Not all MDF’s are created equal.
There are different grades of MDF to suit different applications, and one of the key differentiating factors is
the density of the MDF. The MDF we use (follow link for more information) is, as far as we can establish,
the best MDF available for our purpose. Standard-grade MDF has a typical density of 680kg/m3 –
730kg/m3, whereas the moisture resistant MDF that we use is a premium grade and has a density of
800kg/m3.
The density of MDF is important in the manufacturing of skirting boards and architrave for 2 main reasons:
1. The more compact the fibres are, the less likely it is that the MDF will become ‘furry’ when the profile is machined.
If MDF does become furry it can lead to imperfections in the paint finish as loose fibres get trapped by the moisture
in the primer or paint and harden as it dries.
2. Skirting boards need to be as durable as possible to withstand knocks and bumps from furniture and people over
time. A denser board will have a greater resistance to damage, meaning it will last longer.
High Density Fibreboard sounds like it should simply be MDF (medium density fibreboard) with a higher
density. Therefore, it is easy to see why some people may think this to be the true state of things. The name
does in fact make it sound superior to MDF because density is important (as established) and HDF has a
greater density than MDF. The truth is that HDF and MDF are completely different products for different
purposes.