The classification as soft wood and hard wood has commercial significance. The difference between soft wood and hard wood is described below:

1. The color of soft wood is light whereas the color of hard wood is dark.
2. Annual rings are seen distinctly while in hard wood they are indistinct in soft wood.
3. Soft woods are hard and light woods are heavy.
4. Soft woods contain lesser strength in compression and shear compared to hard woods.
5. The structure of soft wood is resinous whereas structure of hard wood is close grained.
6. Fire resistance of soft wood is poorly compared to that of hard wood.