Published: 10/11/25 By: Mike Bekin
In timber, there is one debate which is (almost) as old as time itself: softwood or hardwood? Whether you are building a deck or putting up a fence, these two types of timber often battle it out for the #1 choice. So, we thought we would take a look at which type most people choose for their outdoor timber projects, and declare once and for all if softwoods or hardwoods take the crown as the more popular type of timber.
UK Harvests More Softwood
In the UK, the majority of timber we harvest is softwood. Considering that we have a lot of great hardwoods growing in the UK (such as Oak and Ash), this seems like a good indicator that demand for softwood could be higher. Of course, we also need to consider imports and exports, so this does not give us a definite answer.
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.
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.
When to Use Hardwoods
While softwoods might be the UK’s go-to, we still have a lot of love for sustainably sourced hardwood timber. Their density and general durability make them ideal for high-performance and structural applications. From piers and pontoons to river works and railways, you cannot beat marine-grade tropical hardwoods, such as Ekki, Opepe, Angelim or Greenheart.
Not sure whether to choose softwood or hardwood timber for your project? We can help. With a wide range of FSC® and PEFC-certified species and a team of timber specialists, we are here to make sure you choose the right timber for the job.
