What type of wood is typically strong, close-grained, and more expensive?

Hardwood is typically recognized for its strength and close-grained texture, qualities that make it a preferred choice for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and various construction applications. Due to its durability and aesthetics, hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which tend to grow more slowly than coniferous trees. This slower growth results in denser wood fibers, contributing to the overall strength and resilience of the material. Consequently, these characteristics often lead to hardwood being more expensive than other types of wood, such as softwood, which is generally less dense and easier to work with.

The other types of wood listed, such as softwood, plywood, and engineered wood, serve different functions and are made from different processes and materials. Softwood, while still useful and versatile for many applications, generally lacks the same level of density and durability as hardwood. Plywood, made by gluing layers of thin wood veneers, is engineered for strength and stability but does not exhibit the same natural grain and finish. Engineered wood products combine different materials to achieve desirable characteristics but do not have the same traditional qualities that hardwood possesses. Therefore, hardwood is specifically noted for its strength, grain, and expense, distinguishing it from these other wood types.