10/28/2026
🪵 We’re Driftless HARDWOODS… but that doesn’t mean every board we sell is hard!
“Hardwood” and “softwood” describe the type of tree—not how easily you can dent its lumber.
Hardwoods generally come from deciduous trees with broad leaves, like oak, maple, walnut, and aspen. Softwoods generally come from coniferous trees with needles or scales, like pine, spruce, and cedar.
Here’s where it gets interesting:
🌳 ASPEN is a hardwood, but its Janka hardness is just 350 lbf.
🌲 SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE is a softwood, yet loblolly and shortleaf pine rate around 690 lbf—nearly twice as hard as aspen!
And yes, SOFT maple is still a hardwood. Whoever named this stuff could’ve made it a little easier on us. 😂
The Janka test measures resistance to denting. The higher the number, the harder the wood. Our chart compares eight hardwoods we saw and sell here in southwest Wisconsin, with hickory leading this lineup.
Why should woodworkers care? A tabletop that takes daily abuse has different needs than a carved decoration. Hardness helps you choose your lumber, anticipate how it will work, and understand how the finished piece will handle wear. It’s one consideration alongside grain, stability, and appearance.
🍎 TEACHERS: Want this poster for your classroom or woodshop? Message Brother Tom! We can supply a higher-resolution version for you to print and display.
Save this for your next project. Did you know a softwood could be harder than a hardwood?
