Is Hardwood Timber Better Than Softwood Timber

The timber species you choose will depend largely on your.

Is hardwood timber better than softwood timber.

The majority of our sawn sales are in oak though we can supply most native hardwoods to order for specific requirements. When it comes to timber windows and doors there is a common misconception that hardwood is always better than softwood because it is more durable and long lasting. That s why anglian offers windows from a range of timber species. Hardwood timber is available in a range of colours and finishes and will suit almost any contemporary style setting.

For timber to be suitable for use in cladding it must have sufficient natural durability for external use i e. Hardwood forests take longer to replenish due to the tree s slower growth rate. Different types of projects require different types of timber both hardwoods and softwoods are used for. Each timber species is unique and features a different texture grain and density all of which have their own list of benefits.

Hardwood offers superior durability easy maintenance and formidable strength. Hardwood timber offers a higher fire resistance than softwood. Hardwoods normally take longer to grow and so incur larger costs before they are even felled. Whichever you choose it s important that the timber is correctly treated and finished so that it performs well.

Generally though softwoods are cheaper and easier to work with than hardwoods. The clue is not necessarily in the name some softwoods can be very sturdy. Once ready the trees are themselves harder to convert into a saleable product due to the density and strength of the wood thereby accruing. Be classified as very durable durable or moderately durable class 1 2 or 3 bs en 350 2.

Uses of hardwood vs softwood. Whether timber is hardwood or softwood all comes down to the timber s origin. This is not the case. Hardwood always lasts longer a myth.

This requires more energy and because of the nature of the wood it is commonly used for higher grade timber insinuating it is dried to a lower moisture content than many softwoods. Hardwood timber comes from slower growing deciduous species which have a denser grain than softwood species from which the term hardwood derives. You may think it couldn t be much simpler than that but no. Generally speaking hardwood cladding tends to be denser darker in colour closer grained heavier and more expensive than softwood cladding.

Hardwood and softwood timber sound simple surely hardwoods are hard and softwoods are soft no. Deciding on whether to choose a hardwood a softwood or a modified timber for your windows and doors depends on a number of factors such as your particular requirements the properties of different woods and your budget.