Which of the following is NOT classified as a hardwood?

Pine is classified as a softwood rather than a hardwood. The distinction between hardwoods and softwoods is primarily based on the type of tree from which the wood is derived. Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which are typically broadleaf trees that lose their leaves in the fall, such as cherry, walnut, and oak. These types of trees generally have denser wood, making them suitable for furniture and other high-quality applications.

On the other hand, softwoods like pine come from gymnosperm trees, which usually have needle-like leaves and are evergreen. The wood of softwoods tends to be less dense and can often be easier to work with, but it lacks the hardness and durability of hardwoods, making it less suitable for certain applications.

Given this classification, it’s clear that pine is not a hardwood, making it the correct answer in this context.