Published: 23/04/25 By: Mike Bekin
The entire catalogue of timber can be separated into two categories: softwoods and hardwoods. These are two of the most commonly used terms you will hear when discussing timber choices, and knowing their differences can be pretty crucial when choosing your species. So, what are they?
To help you understand more, we have put together this guide looking at what you need to know about softwoods and hardwoods.
What is the Difference Between Softwood and Hardwood Timber?
Do not be fooled by their names; the difference between softwoods and hardwoods has nothing to do with their strength. Instead these two terms describe the types of trees from which the timber was sourced.
Which is Used More in Construction?
For a clearer answer to softwood vs hardwood popularity, we need to take a look at use in construction. According to the UK government’s Forest Research, most roundwood deliveries (timber which is left as logs rather than sawn or planed) are softwood, making up 92% of total deliveries, which equates to over 9 million tonnes. We expect that the most common softwood timbers for these projects are Pine, Cedar and Larch.
Is Softwood or Hardwood Timber More Popular?
In the UK, it is likely that softwoods are more popular than hardwoods. We harvest far more softwood and see more softwood deliveries, both of which give a clear indication that this is the go-to for construction. While hardwoods are not uncommon, especially for more demanding or specialist projects, for general construction, it is softwoods which win for UK builders, architects and DIY enthusiasts.
Why Are Softwoods More Popular?
Softwoods have earned their place as the everyday choice in UK construction because they grow quickly, are widely available and remain cost-effective. They are lighter and easier to cut or machine, which keeps labour and installation costs down. To bring extra durability, opt for Treated Softwoods or look for a tougher softwood timber species, e.g. Cedar.
What You Need to Know About Softwood Timber
Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are typically evergreen and have needles instead of broad leaves. These trees grow relatively quickly to produce timber which tends to be less dense than hardwood timber – though this certainly is not the case for every softwood species.
One of the main advantages of softwoods is that they tend to be lower priced than hardwoods. This can make them great budget-friendly choices for construction projects, as long as you know the properties of the species you are considering.
Some of the softwood timbers we frequently supply to our clients include:
These can be used for a wide range of projects, including decking, cladding, fencing and exterior furniture.
We also supply sustainably treated softwoods, bringing added durability and longevity to your timber construction project.
Softwoods Under the Microscope
Under the microscope, softwoods have a simpler cell structure. They are largely made up of long, straight tracheids, which handle both water transport and strength. This simplicity gives softwood its lightweight, flexible nature, making it ideal for projects which need easy workability. If you are taking on DIY projects, for instance, starting with a softwood could be a smart choice!
What About Treated Softwoods?
Treated softwoods bring added durability or stability to some of the more budget-friendly timbers, making them more suitable for external applications. At EcoChoice, for instance, we supply decking and cladding projects with ThermoWood.
This innovative process involves heating timber (usually Pine or Spruce) to over 200°C in a controlled environment, with no chemicals involved. The heat alters the timber at a cellular level, changing how the timber reacts to moisture and temperature.
The result? Far greater dimensional stability (less swelling and shrinking), improved durability and excellent resistance to rot.
In essence, Thermowood takes the best of softwood (renewability, lightness and affordability) and supercharges it for outdoor performance.
What You Need to Know About Hardwood Timber
Hardwoods, on the other hand, come from deciduous trees. These trees shed their leaves annually and grow more slowly than coniferous trees, creating typically denser timber.
While hardwoods can be more expensive than softwoods, their long lifespan and premium appearance can make them a worthwhile investment.
Some of the hardwood timbers we frequently supply to our clients include:
These timbers are commonly used for exterior projects, such as decking and cladding, as well as structural beams and marine applications. For instance, you will often see hardwoods used for marine fenders and groynes.
ROI of Hardwood vs Softwood Cladding
Softwoods, such as Cedar and Larch, often come with a lower upfront cost than hardwoods (particularly tropical hardwoods), making them appealing for projects on a budget. We do not disagree with this. The right softwood offers excellent performance when properly maintained, but that is the keyword here: maintenance.
Many softwood species (though not all) need more frequent staining, sealing or protective treatments than tougher hardwoods. They also typically have a shorter lifespan. Our stronger softwoods, which are great contenders for outdoor timber cladding design, are typically durability class 2 or 3. Canadian Western Red Cedar is a durability class 2 (as cladding, which is use class 3), for example, while Larch is a durability class 3.
This gives them a lifespan ranging from around 10 to 25 years when untreated – assuming good installation and ventilation, which are essential for timber cladding projects. Certainly not bad for your cladding, but also not the best.
Our most durable hardwoods, on the other hand, often come with a higher initial investment. They do, however, offer exceptional longevity and reduced maintenance demands, with durability class 1 species lasting for 25+ years without regular treatments or finishes. Ekki, Ipe, and Cumaru, for instance, are all durability class 1.
Working Out ROIs
Let’s see how this works in action, starting with softwood cladding (note: these figures are estimates and do not reflect actual costs):
- Upfront cost: £45/m²
- Expected lifespan: ~25 years
- Maintenance: Re-coating every 3–5 years at approximately £10/m² per treatment
- Estimated maintenance over 25 years: ~6 treatments = £60/m²
Total 25-year cost: Upfront £45 + Maintenance £60 = £105/m²
Annual cost: £105 ÷ 25 years = £4.20/m² per year
Now let’s take a look at hardwood cladding:
- Upfront cost: £95/m²
- Expected lifespan: ~50 years
- Maintenance: Light cleaning and optional oiling every 5–7 years at ~£6/m²
- Estimated maintenance over 50 years: ~8 treatments → £48/m²
Total 50-year cost:
Upfront £95 + Maintenance £48 = £143/m²
Annual cost: £143 ÷ 50 years = £2.86/m² per year
While this is not exact, and costs/maintenance are likely to differ depending on species and use, the above is a good example of how ROI is often very different from your initial upfront cost.
Which Should You Choose?
At EcoChoice, we never suggest basing your timber choice on whether it is a hardwood or a softwood. While hardwoods do tend to be more durable, this is not a timber-wide rule and has many exceptions. Western Red Cedar, for example, is a softwood which is more durable and stronger than many hardwoods.
Rather than using a hardwood or softwood categorisation to understand your timber, you should look instead at the timber species itself.
Find Your Timber Match at EcoChoice
At EcoChoice, we supply sustainable hardwoods and softwoods sourced from responsibly managed forests to our UK clients. Looking for your next batch of timber? Let us know what you need, and we will match you with the species which is right for the job.
