What are the four softwoods used for shoring?

The four softwoods commonly used for shoring are Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce. These types of wood are chosen for their specific properties which make them suitable for structural applications, particularly in situations where strength, flexibility, and resistance to splitting are important.

Yellow Pine is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and is frequently used in construction for shoring because it can support heavy loads. Douglas Fir is another superior structural wood known for its strength and stiffness, making it an excellent choice for shoring applications where stability is critical. Hemlock, while not as strong as the other two, provides good durability and works well in conditions where flexibility and resistance to moisture are necessary. Spruce is valued for its lightweight nature and good strength, making it an ideal candidate for various support structures.

The other choices include woods that are either hardwoods or not traditionally used for shoring purposes. This highlights the importance of selecting the right type of material based on their properties and suitability for specific construction tasks.