Which wood type generally has a longer growth cycle and is usually less flexible?

The type of wood that generally has a longer growth cycle and is usually less flexible is hardwood. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which typically have a slower growth rate compared to the coniferous trees that produce softwood. As a result, hardwoods tend to develop a denser structure with tighter grains and more complex cellular arrangements, which contribute to their rigidity and strength.

This denser composition is what makes hardwoods less flexible compared to softwoods, which are known for their more pliable characteristics primarily due to their faster growth and less dense structure. While plywood and particle board are engineered wood products that have their own characteristics, they do not fall within the classifications of hardwood or softwood directly, as they are made from layers of woods or wood particles bonded together.