Choosing a timber solution for your next cladding, panelling or decking project can be more complex than it seems at first glance.
Hardwood vs softwood, what do you need to know before making your choice for your next cladding, panelling, or decking project?
Timber is classified as either hardwood or softwood depending on its physical makeup. The characteristics of each timber varies from appearance, to density, and workability.
What is the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?
The main difference between hardwood and softwood is that hardwood trees are typically slower growers and are considered angiosperm, deciduous trees (shed their leaves annually), which leads to a denser wood, whereas softwood trees are gymnosperms, meaning they are evergreen trees (do not shed their leaves).
The definition and classification of whether a tree is considered a hardwood or softwood comes down to the seed they produce, not the density of the timber.
Are you unsure which timber will work for your project? Identifying the differences between hardwood and softwood, the pros and cons, and where each timber works best, will point you in the right direction.
What is Hardwood Timber?
Authentic hardwood timber is praised for its unprecedented style and performance. Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which have elements that distribute water and nutrients throughout the wood. The pores in the wood grain handle all the distribution, allowing the remaining timber grain to become denser.
What are Some Examples of Hardwoods?
Hardwood trees are deciduous, and species include:
Eucalyptus
Balsa
Mahogany
Blackbutt
Spotted Gum
What are the Characteristics of Hardwood?
Pros & Advantages of Hardwood:
Longevity: Hardwood produces a very high quality product that offers great durability over time.
Easy maintenance: Hardwood is easy to clean, and scratches and dents can be fixed.
Strength: The trees’ dense cellular structure gives the timber incredible strength.
Appearance: Hardwood timber is available in a range of colours and finishes, and will suit almost any contemporary style setting.
Fire resistance: Hardwood timber offers a higher fire resistance than softwood.
Cons & Disadvantages of Hardwood:
Slow growth rate: Hardwood forests take longer to replenish due to the tree’s slower growth rate.
Workability: Due to its density, hardwood tends to be a lot harder to work with during construction.
Cost: Hardwoods are generally more expensive, however in saying this, you get what you pay for.
Refinishing: Hardwood floors in high traffic areas will require refinishing down the track, which can also be quite costly.
More information at https://www.hardwooddiscount.co.uk and https://www.hardwooddiscount.co.uk/decking
