Softwood, hardwood and when each is used

Learn to tell softwood from hardwood and pick the right one for your DIY job.

WD-01Know what softwood actually isSoftwood comes from conifer trees like pine, spruce and fir - trees with needles, not leaves. It grows fast, so it's cheaper and widely available. Most timber in a UK builders' merchant - stud walls, roof timbers, fence posts, cheap shelving - is softwood.

WD-02Know what hardwood actually isHardwood comes from broadleaf trees like oak, ash, beech and walnut. These trees grow slowly, which is why hardwood costs more and often takes longer to order. It's used where looks, durability or strength really matter, like worktops, flooring and good furniture.

WD-03Learn the names beginners actually useIn a merchant's yard, ask for softwood by name: whitewood or redwood are common general-purpose types. For hardwood, oak is the one you'll meet most often for shelves, worktops and skirting upgrades. If you just ask for 'wood' the staff will assume softwood, so name the type you want.

WD-04Tell them apart by look and feelSoftwood is usually pale, almost yellowish, with visible knots and a light weight for its size. Hardwood is often darker, heavier for the same size piece, and the grain pattern looks tighter and more detailed. Pick up two similar-sized offcuts if you can - the weight difference alone is a good clue.

WD-05Match the wood to the jobUse softwood for anything structural, hidden, or that you're going to paint - stud walls, roof battens, painted skirting, shed frames. Use hardwood where the wood will be seen, touched a lot, or needs to resist wear - worktops, flooring, handrails, and furniture you want to last decades.

WD-06Avoid the classic beginner mistakeDon't assume 'hardwood' means physically harder wood - it's a botanical category, not a hardness scale. Balsa wood is technically a hardwood but it's one of the softest woods you can buy. Choose by the job's needs, not by the word 'hard' in the name.

WD-07Check you've chosen correctlyBefore you buy, ask yourself two questions: will this be painted or hidden (softwood is fine), and does it need to look good or take heavy wear (go hardwood)? If you're still unsure, ask the merchant to confirm the species and whether it's suitable for your specific job - they deal with this daily and would rather answer than sell you the wrong timber.

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