Final answer:
Hardwoods, from deciduous trees like oak and maple, are denser and used for durable construction and furniture. Softwoods, from coniferous trees like pine, are lighter and often used in paper production and lighter construction. Certifications like the FSC's can aid in identifying legally and sustainably harvested wood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hardwoods and softwoods are types of timber that classify different types of trees. The difference between the two lies mainly in their structure, growth rate, and applications. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves annually and have a slower growth rate. Examples are oak, maple, beech, and hickory. On the other hand, softwoods come from coniferous trees, a group that includes pines and spruces, these trees have needle-like leaves and grow faster than deciduous trees.
Hardwoods are denser and more durable making them ideal for applications like flooring, construction, high-quality furniture, and other items that require high strength. Conversely, softwoods being light and less dense, find use for paper production, the crafting of window frames, and oftentimes, general construction.
In the instance of identifying sustainable or legal harvests of these materials, one can look into certifications like those of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC certification assures that the wood product has been harvested following proper legal and sustainable procedures.
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