What is the difference between softwood and hardwood decking

Durability is really important when it comes to choosing the right decking for your project. Which option will stand up best to the conditions in my garden?

How will the option I choose look, both immediately on installation, and after it has weathered? In relation to each of these important decking questions, hardwood decking will outperform softwood decking every time.

In order to explain, because hardwood decking is made from wood that is grown slowly, in tropical conditions, it is an extremely durable and hard wearing decking solution, no matter the outdoor environment.

Although softwood decking is undoubtedly a cheaper, more economical decking solution, if you are investing in decking for the long term there is little doubt that hardwood decking will prove more economical long term. Appearance : Choose the timber that gives you the look you want. Hardwoods are available in a wide range of attractive colours — choose the one that best matches your palette. You should also consider the effect that a stain will have on your deck.

Inspiration About Us Contact. Choosing between hardwood, softwood and composite Decking material can be sectioned into three main groups: softwoods, hardwoods and composites.

Softwood decking options Softwoods are a popular choice for decking, as they are cheaper and easier to work with than hardwoods. Composite decking options A large number of composite decking products have come to Australia in the last decade or so. Hardwood Decking options Hardwood timber is an excellent choice for decking.

Those primarily stocked by Softwoods are listed briefly below: Merbau : Deep red-brown in colour, extremely durable, some initial tannin bleed. Kapur : Similar to Merbau, but cheaper and not as durable. Light reddish brown, great grain. Ironbark : Very strong, with long life expectancy. Light grey, red or dark brown. Spotted Gum : Strength and durability similar to Merbau. Light to dark brown in colour with a distinctive wavy pattern in the grain.

Blackbutt : Strength and durability similar to Merbau. Golden yellow to pale brown, sometimes with a slight pink tinge. Noted for its resistance to moderate bushfires. Jarrah : Low strength rating, but very durable. Vibrant red-brown in colour. I am looking to build a outdoor bench using treated softwood, pine probably and would be grateful for some advice. I will be using a cuprinol garden shades paint for a finish and just wondering if I need to apply a wood preserver first?

Also, once its painted, can a clear varnish be added over the paint at a later date to further preserve it? Many thank, Craig.

Thank you for your question. And yes preserver is always a good idea. As you are planning to paint the bench you will need to use a wax free preserver such as the Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear or the Barrettine Premier Universal Preserver. These will help to prevent mould and decay on the wood. Once the preserver has dried, you can then apply the paint as per the guidelines. The second coat must be applied the same day as the first. If the first coat is left to dry overnight then the second coat will not adhere to the surface correctly.

The Cuprinol Garden Shades is a finish in its own right and does nor require any product applied to give further protection. However if you do want to consider a clear varnish then I would recommend the Polyvine Decorators Varnish as a good option to consider, if test areas prove positive.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wood Finishes Direct. Hardwood vs Softwood — Which is best? Environmental pros and cons The hardwood vs softwood argument also has an environmental angle. Which is the most expensive — hard or softwood? Upcycling Furniture — The Ins and Outs. The Kitchen and Home-cooked Meals. Hello Craig, Always happy to help and no question is daft!

Here to help if you have any further questions. All the Best Samantha. Hello Samantha, thank you very much for the reply, much appreciated! Kind regards, Craig. Hello Craig, Thank you for your question. If there is anything further that i can help with please do not hesitate to get in touch. Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here.