softwood refers to the wood of a coniferous tree, such as pine, spruce, or cedar . Softwood timber originates from a gymnosperm tree, which is a tree type with seeds that do not have any covering and usually just fall to the ground. Softwoods are widely used in construction due to their versatility and availability. They are often employed for structural framing, flooring, roofing, and interior applications like moldings and paneling. In commercial construction, softwoods are valued for their strength-to-weight ratio, ease of handling, and adaptability to various treatments and finishes.
Characteristics of Softwood
Softwood is known for its ease of workability, being easy to drill, screw, route, and nail . It is also structurally strong, lightweight, and easily transported . Softwood trees typically have shorter growth cycles, which means they can be harvested and replenished more quickly compared to hardwood trees .
Applications of Softwood in Australian Commercial Construction
In Australian commercial construction projects, softwood is commonly used for dimensional lumber, which is typically used for construction . It is also used for making plywood, which is used in various applications such as joinery and furniture . Additionally, softwood is used for making engineered wood products, which provide specifiers and builders with products that are structurally strong and lightweight .
Examples of Softwood Used in Australian Commercial Construction
Some examples of softwood used in Australian commercial construction projects include:
- Klinki pine, a Papua New Guinean softwood usually seen as plywood in Australia
- Cedar, spruce, and pine, which are commonly used for dimensional lumber and engineered wood products
In summary, softwood is a type of wood that is commonly used in Australian commercial construction projects due to its ease of workability, structural strength, and lightweight properties. It is used for various applications, including dimensional lumber, plywood, and engineered wood products.
