{"id":754,"date":"2018-02-22T12:00:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T11:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.edecks.co.uk\/blog\/?p=754"},"modified":"2025-06-18T14:24:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T13:24:54","slug":"comparing-hardwood-decking-vs-softwood-decking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edecks.co.uk\/blog\/decking-advice\/comparing-hardwood-decking-vs-softwood-decking\/","title":{"rendered":"Decking: Comparing Hardwood Decking vs Softwood Decking"},"content":{"rendered":"

Decking is an excellent way to add a more aesthetically pleasing look to your garden; patio or low level decking can be the perfect solution to hide unattractive areas or to simply raise an area to be level with a conservatory or to add a patio-style area to your garden. The main two types available here at eDecks are Hardwood and Softwood Decking, and we have included some benefits of both, as well as a comparison so that you can discover which would work best for you.<\/p>\n

\"hardwood<\/a>
\nHardwood<\/em><\/p>\n

Generally speaking, timber is split into two main types; hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is sourced from slow growing trees, which are often referred to as broadleaved trees and Softwood comes from faster growing, evergreen or coniferous trees. Apart from taking a longer time to be produced, by nature, hardwood is more difficult to process than softwood, which is one of the reasons why softwood is lower in price than hardwood decking.<\/p>\n


\n<\/a>\"softwood\"<\/a>Softwood<\/em><\/p>\n

Durability is super important when choosing your ideal timber, and because decking is laid outside, you need to opt for the variety that will stand up to outdoor conditions all year round. If you are looking for more of a quick fix, short term solution, it may be that a budget option works just fine for you, however, if you are wanting more of a long-term investment, then investing in a better quality of wood will pay dividends.<\/p>\n

\"Hardwood<\/a>
\nHardwood<\/em><\/p>\n

As mentioned, hardwood decking<\/a> is made from a number of different broadleaved trees, such as oak, ash and beech, and these trees are often grown in temperate climates where they tend to be deciduous, or tropical climates where they tend to be evergreen trees. The wood of these trees is slower in its growth, making it a harder, more durable timber.<\/p>\n

\"softwood<\/a>
\nSoftwood<\/em><\/p>\n

Softwood decking<\/a> is made from coniferous, evergreen trees such as pine and spruce, and about 80% of the world\u2019s timber is softwood. To use softwood decking, it must be suitably pressure treated with preservatives, to protect it from fungal and insect decay in addition to deterioration from the environment. Due to availability, cost effectiveness and ease of installation, around 90% of decks are made from softwood decking. Hardwood decking tends to be more expensive and requires more care, but is available in a range of attractive colours.<\/p>\n

\"softwood<\/a><\/p>\n

In a nutshell, softwood decking is;<\/p>\n