Softwood

Softwood refers to lumber from coniferous, typically evergreen trees (pine, fir, cedar, spruce), as opposed to hardwood from broadleaf trees. Like "hardwood," it's a botanical classification based on the tree type, not a literal density claim -- some softwoods (yew, for instance) are harder than many hardwoods. Softwoods are the standard choice for construction framing lumber and are generally cheaper and faster-growing than hardwoods, which is most of why they dominate that market.