Softwood vs hardwood: Which is better for your decking and garden furniture?

When choosing timber for an outdoor project, it is always wise to weigh up your options. This includes when designing your dream garden. From your al fresco dining table to the decking it sits on, you need a timber which will withstand wear and tear, look beautiful and (most importantly) last for years to come.

So, should you opt for softwood or hardwood timber? To help you make the right choice, we  have put together this quick guide which contains all the answers, as well as some of our favourite outdoor timber recommendations.

Softwood vs Hardwood Timber

In the battle between softwoods and hardwoods for garden furniture or decking, there is no clear winner. This is because hardwoods are not always more durable than softwoods (as the name would suggest), and timbers are not split between the two based on the characteristics you will need for your project.

The difference between hardwoods and softwoods actually comes from the type of tree we source the wood from:

• Softwood timber – Comes from coniferous (evergreen) trees, such as Pine and Cedar. These trees grow quickly and are more readily available.
• Hardwood timber – Comes from deciduous trees, such as Oak and Ekki. These trees grow more slowly and have a denser grain.

While hardwood timber is more likely to be durable, there are some softwood timbers which are just as durable and strong – more so, even, when compared to weaker hardwoods. Because of their abundance, you can often get a lot of bang for your buck with softwoods, as they are typically more cost-effective.

How to Choose an Appropriate Timber Species

When choosing timber for your decking or garden furniture, we would focus less on whether it is a hardwood or a softwood, and more on the qualities of the individual species. You would need a timber that:

• Has great resistance to outdoor threats, including rot.
• Can withstand UV rays, or weathers beautifully to a silvery patina.
• Is strong and has a long lifespan.

This could be a hardwood, a softwood or a treated timber.

You might also want a timber species which is more low-maintenance, for example Ipe or Opepe.

At EcoChoice, we would also prioritise sustainable sourcing over hardwoods vs. softwoods. Choose a durable timber sourced from a responsibly managed forest (as are all our timber products) and you are onto a winner.

Top Timber Picks for Exterior Use

With decades of experience in the timber industry, we know a thing or two about choosing the perfect species. For your garden or decking project, some of our go-to recommendations which will never let you down include:

• Oak
• Iroko
• Ipe
• Pine
• Opepe
• Cedar
• Larch
• Ekki

This is a wonderful mix of both softwoods and hardwoods, showing that you do not have to restrict your choices to one or the other. You really can have the best of both worlds!

Get a Free Timber Recommendation

Still uncertain of the right timber species for your garden? No problem. At EcoChoice, we offer free advice to help you select the perfect timber for your exact requirements, taking into account factors such as aesthetics, maintenance and purpose.

For your free timber recommendation, get in touch with our team today.