What are the differences between softwood and hardwood?

== == == == Softwood is the wood of coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, where as hardwood comes from decidious trees such as oaks and maples. Paper made from softwood contains longer fibers, and is much stronger and rougher than paper made from hardwood trees. For this reason, it is used for making materials that need to be very strong and durable, such as shipping containers. Hardwood paper, on the other hand, has shorter fibers and therefore is smoother. It is used for making materials that are good to write on.