All wood is classified into two main types, hardwood and softwood .
However, the hardness or softness of a particular wood is not the determining factor in its classification. Softwood species fall into a classification called conifers which have their seeds exposed, usually in cones. In other words, if a tree is cone-bearing, it is most likely a softwood tree. Softwood trees usually have needles or scale-like leaves that, except for a few minor exceptions, remain on the tree year round. Hardwood, on the other hand, comes from trees which have seeds enclosed in a fruit.