Softwood Vs Hardwood for your Garden Gates

As well as choosing what style and size your gates need to be. You will also need to decide what type of timber you would like your gates to be manufactured from. Choosing which timber is best for you depends entirely on your own needs and wants.

Here at Torridge Gates, we use Scandinavian Redwood pine (softwood) and Iroko hardwood. Below is some information on both types of timber to help you decide. We are also more than happy to discuss your needs with you to help you with your decision.

SOFTWOOD

Softwood comes from evergreen trees and is more flexible than hardwood which means it is less expensive than hardwood. It is usually light in colour. Softwood will need to be treated more than hardwood to prolong its lifespan. Softwoods are the most cost-effective and durable types of wood available.

HARDWOOD

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees. Due to its more complex structure, hardwood offers a higher level of strength and durability. Hardwood trees also grow at a slower rate and take longer to dry. These two factors mean that the cost of hardwood is more expensive than softwood. It is generally darker in colour and less maintenance is needed compared to softwood.

While softwood is generally more affordable than hardwood, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are skimping on quality when choosing softwood for your garden gate. Here are some reasons why:

Craftsmanship: Handmade garden gates are typically crafted by our skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work. The quality of the gate largely depends on the craftsmanship and attention to detail put into its construction. A well-crafted softwood gate can be just as durable and aesthetically pleasing as a hardwood gate.

Wood Selection: When choosing softwood for your garden gate, you can still select high-quality softwood species, such as cedar or redwood, which are known for their natural resistance to decay and insects. These softwoods can perform exceptionally well in outdoor settings, rivalling the durability of some hardwoods.

Proper Treatment: Properly treating and finishing the softwood gate is crucial to its longevity. Applying a high-quality wood preservative, stain, or paint can significantly enhance the gate's resistance to weathering, UV rays, and moisture, ensuring it remains in good condition for years.

Maintenance: All wooden garden gates, whether softwood or hardwood, can require regular maintenance to prolong their lifespan, although at Torridge Gates our treatment of the wood means maintenance is minimal. Routine upkeep, such as cleaning, sanding, and resealing, maybe necessary regardless of the wood type.

Cost Savings: Softwood is generally more affordable than hardwood, which can free up budget for other important aspects of your garden or outdoor space. You can allocate the savings to landscaping, additional outdoor features, or even higher-end hardware and accessories for your gate.

Customization: Softwood offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the design, size, and style of your garden gate to your specific preferences and needs. This flexibility ensures you have a high-quality gate that complements your garden's aesthetics.

Environmental Considerations: Choosing sustainably sourced softwood options can be an eco-friendly choice. Many softwood species grow more quickly than hardwoods, making them a more renewable resource if harvested responsibly.

In summary, while softwood may be more affordable than hardwood, it doesn't mean you are compromising on quality when it comes to handmade garden gates. The key to ensuring a high-quality gate lies in the craftsmanship, wood selection, treatment, and maintenance, regardless of the wood type chosen. By investing in these aspects, you can have a durable and aesthetically pleasing garden gate that fits your budget and enhances the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

Visit our website Gate pages from these helpful links:

Pedestrian Gates
Garden and Entrance Gates
Field Gates

Our Hardwood Gallery:

Our Entrance gates gallery

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• Bespoke entrance gate - Customer Design Bespoke entrance gate - Customer Design
• Heanton Gate With Round Top Pickets Heanton Gate With Round Top Pickets
• Bespoke Hillies Gate Bespoke Hillies Gate
• Cranford Gate Cranford Gate
• Flat Top Keason with Matching Panel Flat Top Keason with Matching Panel
• Pair Heanton Gates Pair Heanton Gates
• Sweeping Top Dartington Sweeping Top Dartington
• Unequal Sweeping Top Cottage with Black Ironwork Unequal Sweeping Top Cottage with Black Ironwork
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