Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are trees that have needles and produce cones. Common examples of softwoods include pine, spruce, and cedar. These trees typically grow faster than hardwoods, making softwood more readily available and often less expensive. Softwoods are widely used in construction, furniture, and paper products due to their lightweight and workable nature. They are generally easier to cut and shape compared to hardwoods, making them a popular choice for many DIY projects and building applications.