Hardwood is timber from deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves or tropical evergreen species) and is characterised by high density, hardness, and durability. Examples include oak, meranti, bangkirai, and ipe. Hardwood is more expensive than softwood, but lasts longer — especially outdoors.
Hardwood vs. softwood
| Property | Hardwood | Softwood |
|---|---|---|
| Tree type | Deciduous | Coniferous |
| Density | High (550-1100 kg/m3) | Low (350-550 kg/m3) |
| Outdoor durability | Good to very good | Moderate (without treatment) |
| Workability | Harder (difficult to work) | Easy |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Commonly used hardwood species in DIY
| Species | Durability class | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | I-II | Window frames, furniture, flooring |
| Bangkirai (Yellow Balau) | I-II | Decking, outdoor furniture |
| Ipe | I | Decking, jetties (extremely hard) |
| Meranti | II-III | Window frames, doors, windows |
| Merbau | I-II | Decking, parquet flooring |
| Azobe | I | Sheet piling, groundwork |
Durability class I is the best (25+ years outdoors without treatment), class V the worst.
When do you choose hardwood?
- Decking — Bangkirai or ipe last 25-30 years without treatment
- Window frames — Meranti or oak rot far less quickly than spruce
- Outdoor furniture — No annual maintenance needed
- Structural (outdoor) — Where durability matters more than price
Disadvantages
- Price — 2-3x more expensive than softwood
- Workability — Pre-drilling is essential (screws do not simply drive in)
- Weight — Heavier to work with
- Environment — Tropical hardwood may come from irresponsible forestry. Always choose FSC or PEFC certified timber.
Related terms
- Softwood
- Douglas fir
- Thermowood
- Deck board