Hardwood trees that thrive in the UK climate

When we talk about hardwoods, we often look at tropical timber species – Ekki, Opepe and Balau, for instance. But what about the hardwoods which grow in the UK? Being much closer to home, these tough timbers can reduce the carbon footprint of your construction by cutting down on delivery miles. To find out what is available on our own soil, here are some of the hardwood trees which thrive in the UK climate.

Oak Trees

The most iconic of all UK-grown hardwoods is, of course, Oak. This timber has been used for centuries for everything from building construction (those beautiful Tudor homes are almost exclusively made from Oak) to boat building, and it is renowned for its strength, density and durability. It does not hurt that this also is a gorgeous timber, with a honey-gold tone which weathers to a rustic silver-grey.

The most common uses of Oak in construction include beams and timber frames, joinery, decking, fencing and landscaping. Oak sleepers are a standout timber product for external use, and you can often find them recycled from other projects around the UK (including old railway lines) for a sustainable win.

Chestnut Trees

Chestnut trees are a common sight around the UK and thrive in our mild, wet climate. In appearance, the wood is often compared to Oak as the two are both more yellow-toned timbers, although Chestnut timber tends to be a fair bit lighter in colour. It is also a little less dense than Oak, giving it better workability which makes it a go-to for quick projects and DIY enthusiasts.

At EcoChoice, Chestnut is one of our top picks for many outdoor applications. We supply Chestnut cladding, for instance, which weathers to a stunning light grey which blends perfectly into contemporary-rustic architecture. It is also a good choice for decking, fencing and exterior furniture.

Ash Trees

Ash timber is less well-known than Oak, but it is actually slightly stronger and harder. Another homegrown hardwood, it has excellent shock resistance which makes it a brilliant choice for high-traffic areas and applications which can come under irregular strain. Whilst not naturally durable for exterior use, these can be thermally modified to make a very good cladding or decking product.  Unfortunately, supplies of Ash have been greatly depleted because of Ash dieback, making it vital that we work to protect the remaining trees and fight back against the disease.

Beech Trees

Beech is a widely grown tree in the UK, particularly in southern and central areas. It is, however, not very durable, making it a poor choice for exterior construction. However, for interior works it remains a popular choice and is used for everything from furniture to worktops and flooring. If you are thinking of using Beech outdoors, it will need regular treatments (such as oiling and staining).

Find UK Hardwood Timber at EcoChoice

If you are looking for a UK-grown hardwood timber for your next project, we can help. We work with FSC® and PEFC-certified woodlands in the UK to supply sustainable timber from responsibly managed forests, where the conservation of our country’s natural landscape is always a top priority.

Learn more about our UK-grown timber by getting in touch with our team