In Plain English
Quick Answer
Dense, durable wood from trees like oak and maple, used for flooring, cabinets, and interior trim.
Definition
Definition
Hardwood is lumber derived from deciduous (broad-leafed) trees such as oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, generally denser and harder than softwoods. In construction, hardwood is used for flooring, millwork, cabinetry, stair treads, and architectural trim. Hardwoods command higher prices than softwoods due to slower growth rates and limited availability.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Hardwood is a price-volatile, species-sensitive material, so an estimator who specs the wrong grade or assumes the wrong species can swing a millwork or flooring number significantly. Lead times and limited availability also drive procurement risk, making early sub and supplier quotes essential before locking a bid.
Example
Example
An estimator pricing custom casework requests separate quotes for red oak and walnut, since the owner's species choice changes the millwork allowance by tens of thousands of dollars.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Why does hardwood cost more than softwood in construction?
Hardwoods come from slow-growing deciduous trees, so supply is tighter and harvest cycles longer than fast-growing softwoods. Their density, appearance, and workability for finish applications command premiums, and species like walnut or quartersawn oak carry further surcharges that estimators must verify against the specified grade before pricing.
How do estimators price hardwood when species is not specified?
They review the specifications and finish schedule, and if the species or grade is ambiguous, they qualify the bid with an assumption or carry an allowance. Pricing the wrong species creates a scope gap, so issuing an RFI before bid day is the safer route when documents are unclear.
What affects hardwood lead times on a project?
Species availability, grade, dimension, and finishing requirements all drive lead time, and rare or wide-plank stock can take many weeks. Estimators flag long-lead hardwood items early so procurement and scheduling reflect realistic delivery, protecting against acceleration costs or substitutions that compromise the specified appearance.
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