Softwoods are lighter in weight than hardwoods, flexible, strong and dimensionally stable. Their relatively simple cell structure of long, uniform, tightly packed fibres, accounts for their very high strength-to-weight ratios. While ideal as a structural and engineering material, western softwoods are equally well suited for remanufacturing purposes, industrial applications and for end uses where beauty is the primary concern. 

The ideal climate, soil and temperatures of the western U.S.A. contribute to the region’s ability to yield abundant supplies of commercially valuable softwood timber products. Strict environmental laws govern harvesting and reforestation procedures, and provide additional protection for watersheds, biological diversity, and habitat for threatened/endangered species. 

Timber products from several of the more than 21 commercially important western softwoods often are grouped together into species combinations known as “Marketing Categories.” These pre-determined categories allow species with similar appearance or performance properties to be grouped together, simplifying engineering, specification and the distribution of appropriate products into their specific markets. While western species may be ordered individually or by marketing category, for high-end interior and furniture applications, individual species should be specified on the order. The list, “Western Softwood Species & Combinations”,  provides a convenient guide to ordering western species either way.