What Is The Difference Between Softwood And Hardwood?
- Eliana Hodge
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When choosing the correct timber for your next project, we know that every little detail matters. Understanding why, and the functionality and properties of different wood types, may help you make cost-effective, long-term decisions. Two of the most widely known wood types are Softwood and Hardwood. While both are known for their durability and longevity, the difference in their cell structure, properties and origin may surprise you!
Let's look at the differences:
Where do Softwood species and Hardwood species come from?
Softwoods-
Softwoods are from gymnosperm trees, typically evergreen conifers. They come from evergreen, cone-bearing trees with needles (such as Pine, spruce, and Cedar). Softwood timber spans broad northern latitudinal zones and high-altitude regions such as Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, and Finland), Central Europe (Austria) and Northern UK (Scotland), and Radiata Pine (New Zealand). Siberia in Northern Russia is also known for its dense and durable Larch, which unfortunately has a UK ban on imports from Russia.
Hardwoods-
Hardwood Timbers come from Angiosperm trees, which typically have broad leaves and are flowering trees that shed their leaves seasonally. They are Geographically Originated from Temperate forests and Tropical forests across Europe, North America, parts of Asia, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The colder and drier climates of North America produce high-quality species like Oak, ash, and Tulip. Whereas the regions of Africa and South America produce species like Ayous, Frake, Iroko, Movingui and Ipe.
Property Differences:
. | Structure | Density | Maturity | Porosity |
Softwood | Simpler cell structure | Lower density | Fast growing. Many species take 25 to 40 years to mature. | Highly porous wood structure |
Hardwood | More Complex cell structure | Higher density | Slow-growing. Many species take 60 to over 100 years to mature. | They have small microscopic tubes called vessels. |
What Is Best for Your Project?
Softwoods:
Generally lighter and easier to handle.
Some species require preservative treatment.
Perfect for larger and more complicated projects
Durable and Robust
Ideal for construction framing, decking, and cost-effective projects
Timber is usually available in longer lengths.
Hardwoods:
Longer lifespan than softwoods
Naturally durable, so no added treatment is necessary.
Perishable hardwoods in an external environment can now be used thanks to ThermoWood technology, relieving the pressure on Amazonian species.
Ideal for high-traffic environments and stronger and more hard-wearing.
Durable and Robust
Beautiful graining and colouring.
Slightly more restricted on lengths over 3.6m
Let's look at the types of Softwood and Hardwood we offer at QTD.
Softwood | Hardwood |
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A Real-World Perspective:
All of the Timber species above work perfectly well in an external and internal environment in the UK.
These days, thanks to modern timber technology, you, the customer, are spoilt for choice.
For stability and design freedom, ThermoWood species offer the best all-round internal and external performance. If you are looking to use UK/Scottish grown species that fit into your environment and project credentials, then you won't go wrong with the above softwoods as a natural alternative.
All of them can be produced in different profiles, sizes and finishes to make your project unique and stand out from the rest.
Still Unsure?
Speak to our expert team at QTD. Book a showroom visit on the website for tailored advice based on your project.
For more information, visit qtdgroup.com or contact us directly.
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