Different Types of Softwood You Should Know About

 Softwoods have become a popular choice among people for exquisite furniture and interior décor. Now that you can contact a professional service for wood furniture maintenance, you don’t have to worry about your one-of-a-kind furniture losing its glory with time. But what are the most popular types of softwood? Let’s find out!

Parana Pine

Parana pines, commonly known as Brazilian pines, are native to southern America, particularly Brazil. Resin ducts, pitch pockets, and pitch streaks are absent in Parana pine wood. When compared to other softwoods, it has a better shear strength and nail holding capacity. During drying and compression, however, it tends to warp and distort.

·                     Color - Heartwood can be anywhere from light to medium brown in color, with crimson streaks in most cases. Sapwood is a light yellow color.

·                     Density - It’s light, yet it’s tough.

·                     Grain – Straight and consistent.

·                     Uses - Framing lumber, interior woodwork, sashes, and door stock, furniture case goods, and veneer

·                     Finishing — Finishes nicely, but initial seal coats are required.

Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine trees can be found in abundance throughout eastern North America. It’s one of the most precious woods on the planet. When exposed to sunshine, eastern pinewood gets a golden yellow color. It becomes relatively stable once properly dried. It is, however, fairly permeable. As a result, if it collects too much moisture, it will cup. It is reasonably priced and widely available.

·                     Color - Heartwood is a light brown color with a reddish tinge. The sapwood ranges in color from pale yellow to virtually white.

·                     Density – Lightweight and soft.

·                     Grain – It is straight and tight. However, there is a big variation between winter and summerwood.

·                     Uses - Exterior millwork, furniture, moldings, paneling, carvings, turning, and pattern

·                     Finishing – This product has a good finish, but it needs to be sealed with water-based or oil-based polyurethane.

Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole pine trees can be found across much of western North America and Canada. The trees can live to be more than 300 years old. They rarely do, though, because they are vulnerable to bark beetle infestations. The tangential surface of lumber, especially when stained, has a plethora of dimples. As a result, it’s a popular choice for paneling.

·                     Color - The sapwood is yellowish-white, and the heartwood is pale reddish to yellowish-brown.

·                     Density – It’s a medium-density material that’s both strong and light. However, it is denser than eastern white pine.

·                     Grain - Straight

·                     Uses — Excellent for building lumber, plywood, and paneling. It’s also used to build railway ties, mine props, and fence posts, as well as doors, windows, and furniture.

·                     Finishing – This product has a good finish, but it needs to be sealed with water-based or oil-based polyurethane.

If you feel that your antique furniture has lost its shine, why not call for professional furniture restoration in Marco Island? They can make your old furniture as good as new!