Softwood vs Hardwood – What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever stood in front of a stack of timber and wondered whether you need softwood or hardwood, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get asked — and the answer depends on what you’re building, where it’s going, and how you want it to look.
Here’s a straight-talking breakdown to help you choose the right timber for the job.
What is Softwood?
Softwood comes from fast-growing trees like pine, spruce, and fir. Most of the timber we stock here at Wood Green Timber is softwood — it’s strong, easy to work with, and great value for money.
It’s used across the board for framing, fencing, decking, and general building work. All of our softwood is imported from Scandinavia for consistency and quality — and most of it is pressure treated for outdoor use.
Common uses for softwood:
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Fencing and gates
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Sleepers and landscaping
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Decking
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Roofs, floors, and stud walls (C24 graded)
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General joinery and framing
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Planed sections for decorative trims
What is Hardwood?
Hardwood comes from slow-growing broadleaf trees like oak, meranti, and ash. It’s usually denser and tougher than softwood, which makes it ideal for things that need to last longer — or look sharper.
We keep a range of hardwood in stock for interior and exterior joinery — including meranti sections and some planed oak off the shelf. It machines well, finishes beautifully, and adds a premium touch to any job.
Common uses for hardwood:
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Door linings and thresholds
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External joinery and trim work
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Furniture and cabinets
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Shelving and stair parts
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High-wear areas where strength and finish matter
What’s the Real Difference?
It’s not just about how hard the wood is — it’s about the tree it comes from. That said, here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | Softwood | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Type | Conifers (fast-growing) | Broadleaf (slow-growing) |
| Density | Generally lighter | Usually heavier and denser |
| Workability | Easy to saw, screw and fix | Often needs sharper tools |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive per metre |
| Best for | Framing, fencing, general builds | Joinery, furniture, decorative projects |
| Looks | Plain grain, can be planed smooth | Richer grain, polishes and stains well |
So, Which One Should You Use?
Use softwood when:
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Budget matters
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The timber will be painted or hidden
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You’re building something structural or temporary
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You need a lot of it!
Use hardwood when:
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You want something to look good and last
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It’s exposed or decorative
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You’re working on internal joinery or furniture
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You need added strength and resistance
We Stock Both — Just Ask
At Wood Green Timber, we’ve got a solid range of softwood and hardwood, all available in various sizes and lengths — and we’re always happy to help you choose what’s right for your project.
Whether you’re building a boundary fence, replacing door linings, or starting a custom joinery job — we’ve got the timber, stock, and advice to help you do it right.
Pop in, call us, or order online — we’re here to help.
