Softwood or hardwood sleepers – what to choose for your project?
Well, the quick answer is “it depends”. While this query is pretty common when it comes to landscaping projects, you’ll actually see that none of them is better or worse in itself – it is merely a question of timber properties fitting the requirements. Our short guide will provide useful insights, so take a look and decide what works best for you.
Here are some essential differences that you need to know:
Appearance
Hardwood and softwood are not necessarily very different when it comes to their physical appearance, and they can both offer gardening projects a natural, rustic look. While their initial colouring may start from golden-yellowish, in time it can turn to silvery-grey, due to environmental factors, but the patina that comes with age only adds to their character.
Durability
While their aspect is pretty much similar, hardwoods and softwoods do have different types of resistance to environmental factors. When it comes to outdoor uses, hardwood is generally more durable than softwood – and very low-maintenance, too: it can be left untreated even in direct contact with the ground, without much concern about decay. Oak sleepers are so sturdy that they can last for decades (up to 30-40 years) on soil – but softwoods need to be treated to prolong their life over 4-5 years in the same conditions. With the right treatment and maintenance, softwoods can also reach a life span of up to 20 years in outdoor settings.
Weight
In this respect, hardwood is much heavier and requires more than just one person to do the lifting. Softwood, on the other hand, is lighter, therefore also easier to transport and handle.
Uses
Both hardwood and softwood can be included in landscaping projects big and small – such as rustic fencing, pergolas, planters, raised flower beds, garden edging, retaining walls, paths or garden steps. Your imagination is the only limit here!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out the Oak Max project gallery
Price
In terms of costs, softwood is usually more affordable that hardwood, especially due to the fact that it grows more rapidly and more densely. That being said, if you are on a budget and either type of timber is an option, then softwood is your go-to material. If you’re thinking more long-term, though, and you don’t have many budgetary constraints, hardwood is a good investment for a classy and solid garden design.
