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The word "hardwood" refers to a specific group of trees that actually do tend to have denser wood. Deciduous (trees that loose their leaves in the winter), tropical, and angiosperm (flowering plants) trees all fall into the hardwood category. Because of their natural durability, hardwoods are ideal for flooring and furniture. In contrast “softwood” trees include conifers, which use cones as seeds. Softwoods include pines, spruces, cedars, redwoods and others. Material from softwoods is heavily used to produce paper and lumber. Wood floors are typically hardwood species such as oak, hickory, maple, walnut and many exotics. There are also many exceptions in wood flooring. Balsa, for example is considered a hardwood, but is actually softer than most softwoods and uncommon in flooring. Pines and Spruces are softwoods, but are actually very common wood floors. Hardwood floors are very popular because of their natural beauty and variety. Species of hardwood grow across the planet and drastically vary in appearance and color. Beyond their natural variety, different finishes and cuts also produce different patterns, sheens, and colors. |
Bruce
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