What are softwoods and are they actually soft compared to hardwoods?

Ever picked up a board of Pine and wondered why it is called a softwood? All timber is anything but soft, and a species such as Cedar is the furthest thing you can get from anything weak or squishy – so why the name? At EcoChoice, we take the debate between softwoods vs hardwoods seriously, which is why we want to weigh in. Find out in this quick guide everything you need to know about softwoods.

What Are Softwoods?

Softwoods come from evergreen, cone-bearing trees, also known as coniferous trees. Some of the most popular softwood species in the construction industry include:

• Cedar
• Larch
• Pine
• Spruce

Coniferous trees grow quickly and regenerate efficiently, which gives softwoods a serious sustainability edge. Faster growth means lower environmental impact and a more reliable supply for businesses, ensuring that timber is easier to get your hands on.

Are Softwoods Actually Soft?

No, softwoods definitely are not soft. In fact, the terms hardwood and softwood are not related to strength at all, but rather the botanical structure of the trees which provide these two types of timber.

Hardwoods come from broad-leaf trees and typically have complex cell patterns, while softwoods have simpler internal structures. That difference makes softwoods more workable on average. They cut cleanly and handle finishes wonderfully, which makes them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and construction professionals alike. That being said, there are also hardwoods which bring plenty of workability to the table, e.g. Balsa.

Some softwoods can also be pretty tough and bring plenty of durability to exterior timber projects. Cedar, for instance, is one of our top picks for decking and cladding projects, bringing excellent strength and dimensional stability to applications which need well-performing timber.

So yes, softwoods can absolutely pull their weight in construction environments, no doubt about it.

Softwoods vs Hardwoods: Which is Better?

We would never say that a softwood or a hardwood is better. This all depends on the project and what you need from your timber. Situations where some softwoods could be a better choice include:

• If your project has a tight budget and you are looking for a cost-effective timber species
• When you need timber which is lightweight for easier transport, installation and handling on-site
• If your design requires machining and intricate detailing, which benefits from a more workable timber
• When aiming for clean, modern aesthetics

If you do not know where to start when choosing between softwoods and hardwoods, our advice is to reach out to our team. Let us know what your project requires, and we will help you find the right timber species for the job.

Buy Softwood Timber in the UK

At EcoChoice, all our softwood and hardwood timber is sustainably sourced from responsibly managed, PEFC and FSC®-certified woodlands. These are areas where conservation and biodiversity are not just celebrated, but actively encouraged. From never overharvesting a single timber species to ensuring the protection of vital ecosystems, we help supply the UK with responsibly sourced timber as an eco-friendly building material.

Start an order of softwood timber by getting in touch.