Softwood and Hardwood both have different advantages and are better suited to different applications. If you are new to working with timber you may be confused about what is best for you. Below is a quick guide breaking down the differences to give you a better understanding.
Softwood
The term “softwood” applies to any lumber that has been cut from evergreen or conifer trees, such as cedar, larch, pine, or spruce. Generally, it is easier to work with due to being lighter and much easier to cut. Its appearance is typically light in colour, with visible knots (circles left behind from the many branches of softwood trees) and a less prominent grain. Softwood trees grow much quicker than hardwood trees, making softwood more sustainable and usually cheaper.
The majority of timber we stock here at Bedford Timber is softwood, primarily sourced from Scandinavia, with a selected range from Europe. These high-quality, slow-grown timbers are ideal for planing and machining, which pairs nicely with our cutting mill. Softwood is a very versatile material and has an incredible number of uses, the most common being cladding, decking, flooring, panelling, structural framing, and furniture.
Hardwood
The term “hardwood” applies to any lumber that has been cut from deciduous trees, such as oak, ash, beech, or mahogany. Generally, hardwood is denser and heavier than softwood, making it more durable and resistant to wear. Its appearance often features rich, deep colours and a more distinct grain pattern, making it highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal. Hardwood trees grow much slower than softwood trees, which makes hardwood less sustainable and typically more expensive.
At Bedford Timber, we stock a variety of hardwoods sourced from well-maintained environments all over the world, ensuring premium quality and consistency. These timbers are particularly well-suited for fine woodworking and furniture-making, thanks to their strength and beautiful finish. Hardwood is a versatile material commonly used for flooring, cabinetry, high-end furniture, tool handles, and even outdoor applications such as decking and fencing, where durability is essential.
Which is best for you?
Softwood and hardwood each have their own strengths, making them ideal for different projects. Whether you need the lightness and affordability of softwood or the durability and beauty of hardwood, understanding their differences helps you make the right choice. Both materials offer incredible versatility, so whatever your project, there’s a timber that fits the job perfectly. If you would like more information on what we can offer or want a tailored recommendation, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Feature10917_00e55a-01> |
Softwood10917_314dbc-25> |
Hardwood10917_bda3a5-06> |
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Tree Type 10917_1b178f-c0> |
Evergreen or Conifer 10917_b88a1d-a6> |
Deciduous 10917_d77766-81> |
Density 10917_651242-ea> |
Lighter and less dense 10917_7f1d6d-4d> |
Heavier and denser 10917_af3fa8-35> |
Workability 10917_38898b-7e> |
Easier to cut and shape 10917_7859c0-fb> |
Requires more effort and precision 10917_1ce13e-21> |
Appearance 10917_d7632e-59> |
Light in colour, visible knots, less prominent grain 10917_ff26e1-a4> |
Rich, deep colours, distinct and varied grain patterns 10917_42854f-08> |
Growth Rate 10917_eb342e-a2> |
Grows faster, making it more sustainable 10917_3903b6-b8> |
Grows slower, making it less sustainable 10917_2b10bd-a2> |
Cost 10917_b8a21e-e1> |
Generally cheaper 10917_ad0310-54> |
Typically more expensive 10917_94bc7a-ff> |
Durability 10917_f4e939-52> |
Less durable and prone to wear 10917_df6285-b5> |
Highly durable and resistant to wear 10917_bc4444-64> |
Common Uses 10917_017dc9-1a> |
Cladding, decking, flooring, panelling, structural framing furniture 10917_b079b7-c6> |
Flooring, cabinetry, high-end furniture, tool handles, decking, fencing 10917_64280a-94> |