Is Decking Hard or Softwood UK

Farnborough Hampshire GU14 Decking

Hardwood Decking, renowned for its durability, offers longevity and resistance to decay, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture. Varieties like cedar and redwood also provide natural beauty with appealing grain patterns. Softwood Decking, often made from pine or spruce, is more affordable and versatile, though it may require more frequent maintenance. Ultimately, the choice depends on factors like budget, desired lifespan, and aesthetic preferences.

In regions like Farnborough, property owners often seek guidance from experienced Fencing Farnborough contractors to choose the most suitable fencing materials for their specific needs. These professionals can assess environmental conditions, recommend appropriate wood types, and provide expert installation services to ensure the longevity and functionality of the deck.

Characteristics of Hardwood Decking

Hardwood refers to wood from dicot trees, usually broad-leaved. Some examples of hardwoods used for decking in the UK are oak, ipe, mahogany, and teak.

Advantages of hardwood for decking in the UK

  • Durability – Hardwoods are denser and last longer than softwoods. Most quality hardwood decking can last over 25 years.
  • Resistance to insects and decay – The natural oils, resins, and density make hardwood more resistant to insect damage and rot. This leads to greater longevity.
  • Unique aesthetics – Hardwoods like teak, ipe, and mahogany have distinctive grains and color variation, leading to beautiful, rich decking. The appearance improves over time.

Common hardwood species used in the UK

Some popular imported hardwood decking options used in the UK climate include ipe, cumaru, tigerwood and massaranduba from South America and bangkirai from Asia. Several European species are also sometimes available like oak and sweet chestnut.

Tropical Hardwoods

Tropical species like ipe, tigerwood, cumaru and massaranduba are dense Brazilian woods increasingly used for decking in the UK. Their exceptional hardness makes them last decades longer than local softwoods.

Pros and cons of using tropical hardwoods for decking

Pros

  • Extreme durability and lifespan
  • Natural weather and insect resistance
  • Rich color variation

Cons

  • More expensive upfront cost
  • Often need to be pre-drilled
  • Some ethical wood sourcing concerns

Characteristics of Softwood Decking

Softwood refers to wood from conifer trees, usually evergreen. Some examples of softwoods used for decking in the UK are pine, redwood, cedar and larch.

Advantages of softwood for decking in the UK

  • Affordability – Softwood decking costs significantly less than most hardwood options. This makes it more budget-friendly.
  • Availability – Softwoods like pine grow abundantly across Europe meaning steady, local supply chains in the UK.
  • Ease of installation – Softwoods are lighter and easier to work with compared to dense tropical hardwood alternatives. Screws can be driven without pre-drilling.

Common softwood species used in the UK

Pine and redwood are the most popular softwood decking options in Britain. European larch and Western red cedar are also sometimes used. Pine is the cheapest while larch and cedar offer more durability.

Pressure-Treated Softwoods

Explanation of the pressure-treatment process

Pressure treatment forces preservative deep into the wood fibers through applied pressure. This helps protect against rot, mold and insect damage. Treatment gives softwoods longevity more comparable to hardwoods.

Benefits and considerations of pressure-treated softwood decking

Benefits

  • Dramatically increased lifespan
  • Protection from moisture damage
  • Often the most cost-effective option

Considerations

  • Some chemical toxicity concerns
  • Can warp over time if untreated sections exposed
  • Needs weathering before staining

Factors to Consider when Choosing Between Hardwood and Softwood

Climate considerations

The UK climate with variable weather makes durability important. Hardwoods generally offer longer-term performance but softwoods last decades too if properly treated and maintained.

Maintenance requirements

All woods need some maintenance but hardwoods like ipe have extra natural weather and insect resistance. Softwoods usually need more frequent sealing, staining or treatment to maximize their lifespan.

Budget constraints

Upfront cost is often the key factor. Softwoods provide an affordable decking option while rich hardwoods offer luxury for 3-5 times the price. Pressure-treated pine can balance cost and quality.

Personal preferences and aesthetics

Visually softwood decking like pine is rustic and knotty while hardwoods have an exotic, luxurious appearance. Smooth planed boards or grooved patterns suit modern spaces. Personal taste dictates favorite species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between hardwood and softwood decking?

The main differences are density, durability and cost. Hardwoods are denser, more durable for the long-term but also more expensive. Softwoods are affordable, simpler to work with but need more protection and care.

Are hardwoods more expensive than softwoods?

Yes, exotic tropical hardwood species usually cost 3-5 times more than basic softwood decking boards on average. There is significant price overlap though with available options.

How does climate affect the choice between hard and softwood decking?

The UK climate with its wet weather means density and natural weather resistance are very beneficial. Hardwoods hold up best overall but well-treated and maintained softwoods have good longevity too.

What is the lifespan of hardwood and softwood decking?

Quality hardwoods usually last 25-30 years+, while softwood lifespan depends much more on wood grade, preservative treatment and maintenance. Treated pine may last 15-25 years with proper care.

Is one type of wood more environmentally friendly than the other?

Locally sourced softwoods are considered more eco-friendly from their transport footprint. But sustainable forest certification programs for tropical hardwoods help compensate environmental impacts.

Are there specific maintenance requirements for each type of decking?

Yes, hardwoods need less frequent maintenance. Annual cleaning and sealing is often enough. Softwoods typically need protective staining or oiling every 1-2 years to maintain their appearance and prevent moisture damage.

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