Hardwood and softwood are often taken literally, which has created a misconception: hardwood is harder, and softwood is softer. However, that isn’t exactly the case, and the distinction isn’t that simple.

Many people think that their names point to the strength or density of each type of wood, but we’re here to clear things up. Stick with us as we walk through the differences, benefits, and uses of softwood and hardwood so you can choose the best option for your project.

What is Hardwood?

Hardwood, derived from angiosperm trees, is one of the most commonly used wood types in construction, especially for projects requiring longevity and resilience.

Trees such as oak, walnut, and maple fall under this category of tree, as they are all flowering trees. Angiosperm trees make up 90% of all land plant species, and they’re known for growing more slowly.

Their slow growth results in tighter grain patterns, which are commonly used for floors and furniture. The patterns produced by oak trees are beautiful choices for the home. When it comes to decorative pieces, walnut is a top choice, while maple is often used for cabinetry and flooring.

What is Softwood?

Harvested from coniferous trees, softwood grows faster than hardwood and is more easily accessible and cost-effective for budget projects.

Coniferous trees include species such as pine, fir, and cedar and area a subset of gymnosperms. They’re identified by their needle-like leaves, which remain green year-round rather than shedding like angiosperm trees.

As they only take around 40 years to mature, this results in wood that is typically more lightweight and, therefore, easier to work with. Since softwood can be cut and manipulated more easily than hardwood, it’s a great go-to choice for decking, framing, and cladding.

The Key Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood

Hardwood and softwood aren’t only differentiated by their names and the type of trees they come from.

As two popular materials in the construction industry, each one offers its own unique benefits. Still, they both have certain environments and applications that they’re best suited for (so try not to get them mixed up!)

Density and Strength

Hardwood can take up to 150 years to mature, resulting in more dense and stronger wood than softwood.

Their exceptional strength makes them perfect for load-bearing applications, whereas softwood is more suited to timber framing or roofing, as these applications don’t experience heavy use.

While softwoods are more prone to wear and tear, not all softwoods are soft; Douglas fir is known for its strength and is often used for structural work, offering excellent durability.

Durability and Lifespan

Natural resistance to decay, superior fire resistance, great durability—you name it, hardwood has it all. Its complex and condensed structure makes it a great choice for long-lasting durability.

If you’re working on an outdoor project, hardwoods like teak and mahogany secrete natural oils that are resistant to pests and moisture; they can handle rain, snow, and pesky insects like pros.

On the other hand, softwoods require regular maintenance and treatment with preservatives to prolong their lifespan, as it’s more susceptible to pests and moisture damage. However, while untreated softwoods like pine may rot in damp environments, more durable softwoods, like Western Red Cedar, can fare well without treatment.

Workability

If you’re looking for something easy to cut, then hardwood isn’t your friend. The dense build-up of this wood is harder to shape and drill than softwood, requiring more specialised tools.

For this reason, softwood is better for DIY projects or large-scale construction work where efficiency is key and time is of the essence. This type of wood can be screwed with basic tools that everyone can find in their house.

If you need something that can produce intricate or precise designs, go with hardwood. While it’ll take a lot more effort to manipulate, you’ll end up with a professional finish that will live up to all of your expectations.

Appearance and Grain

When it comes to identifying the two by appearance, you will notice that hardwoods tend to have more intricate patterns and a distinctive grain, whereas softwoods have a more uniform or straight grain.

Hardwoods can range from rich tones of walnut to the pale, fine grain of ash, offering versatility for a wide range of projects. Their eye-catching characteristics make them a go-to for home features.

However, softwoods are more flexible to work with, as they are easier to paint and stain. Their lighter appearance offers a more simple and cleaner look, or you can go for a more rustic appeal with cedar or pine.

Cost and Availability

Softwoods are usually cheaper to buy and easier to find than hardwoods, as they grow much faster and are harvested more often. However, the cost of each type of wood can vary depending on the tree species and the amount of wood needed for one project.

For professional installations that require a long-lasting and better-quality finish, the price of hardwood is well worth it.

Environmental Impact

Both hardwood and softwood are renewable sources and help to lessen the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Despite of this, softwoods grow a lot faster than hardwoods in managed forests, meaning they can be replaced much more frequently. Because of this, softwoods are a more eco-friendly choice, especially for large-scale projects.

When buying hardwood, look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to make sure it’s sustainably sourced.

The Typical Uses of Hardwood

If you’re working on a project but you’re not sure if hardwood is the right choice, take a look at its most common uses below:

Furniture assembly (chairs, tables, cabinets, and wardrobes)
Flooring
Joinery and panelling (doors, windows, walls, and skirting boards)
Decking
Garden furniture
Fencing
Kitchen worktops
Boat construction
Cladding

The Typical Uses of Softwood

Softwood can be used for a wide range of products, with the most popular being:

Joinery (doors, windows, ceilings)
Flooring and joists
Timber framing
Roofs (trusses and beams)
External cladding
Interior panelling
Decking
Fences
Sheds
Furniture (bookshelves, bed frames, wardrobes)
Cabinetry
Packaging and pallets

Choose Beesley and Fildes for High-Quality Timber

When it comes to sourcing the best timber for your project, Beesley & Fildes is your go-to choice.

From crafting furniture to tackling a construction project, all of our timber products are designed to ensure your application is long-lasting, durable, and visually appealing.

Browse our timber today to bring your vision to life.