Softwood vs hardwood: Which timber should you use?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a timber rack wondering what’s right for your job, you’re not alone. Softwood vs hardwood is a common question - and not just for beginners.

At Youngs, we stock both across our Folkestone, Biddenden and Dymchurch branches, so here’s a straightforward breakdown of the differences, what each type is best for, and why it matters.

First up: It’s not about how hard the wood is

The terms softwood and hardwood don’t actually refer to how hard or tough the timber is. They’re about how the tree grows:

• Softwoods come from coniferous trees (evergreens like pine, spruce and fir)

• Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (broadleaf species like oak, ash and walnut)

  
  

That means some hardwoods (like balsa) are softer than some softwoods (like Douglas fir). It’s more about grain, structure, and how the timber behaves.

Softwood timber – What’s it good for?

Softwoods are typically:

• Faster-growing and more widely available

• Easier to cut and work with

• Lighter in colour and weight

• Less expensive than hardwoods

  
  

At Youngs, our softwood stock includes:

• Treated carcassing timber (C16 & C24)

• Fencing materials (posts, rails, featheredge)

• Softwood sleepers

• Decking boards

• Scaffold boards

  
  

Best for:

• Framing and joists

• Garden structures and landscaping

• Decking and fencing

• Interior stud work

• Raised beds and general DIY

  
  

Treated softwood is ideal for outdoor use - especially when graded and pressure-treated to UC4 (which we keep in stock).

Hardwood timber – When to step up

Hardwoods generally:

• Grow slower, so they’re denser and more durable

• Have a tighter grain, often with a richer colour

• Last longer in exposed conditions (especially oak and iroko)

• Cost more, but offer better performance for the right jobs

  
  

Our White Oak sleepers, for example, are cut from Quercus Alba – classed as very durable and a step above the more common Turkey Oak sleepers sold elsewhere.

Best for:

• Structural or decorative exposed timber

• Long-lasting garden features

• High-spec joinery

• Furniture and flooring

• Heavy-use decking areas

  
  

If you’re building something that needs to look great and hold up over time, hardwood is a better bet.

Not sure which to use?

Use Case	Best Option	Why
Garden fencing	Treated softwood	Cheaper, easier to work with, UC4-treated
Raised beds	Oak or softwood sleepers	Softwood for budget, oak for longevity
Decking	Treated softwood or hardwood	Softwood is cost-effective, hardwood lasts longer
Furniture or joinery	Hardwood	Better finish, stronger over time
Stud walls or rafters	Softwood (C16/C24)	Lightweight, structurally graded

We’ll help you pick what’s right

At Youngs, we’re not just shifting timber off the back of a lorry - we’re here to help you pick the right product for your job.

Whether it’s budget-friendly treated softwood for a fence, or a durable hardwood sleeper for a garden wall, we’ve got the stock - and the knowledge - to help you get it right first time.

📍 Available at our Folkestone, Biddenden and Dymchurch branches

📞 Call ahead or pop in – we’ll talk through your job and make sure you leave with what you need