Hardwood or Softwood Pergola: Which Is Best?
When planning a pergola for your garden, one of the most important decisions is the type of timber to use. Timber isn’t just a structural choice - it defines the look, feel and longevity of the entire space. Two of the most popular options are hardwood and softwood, and both bring their own unique benefits to the table.
At WL West Timber, we’ve been supplying premium-quality British and European timber for over 155 years. Our hardwood and softwood pergolas are crafted from carefully selected, sustainably sourced materials, designed to look beautiful on day one and endure for decades. Based in West Sussex, we deliver across Hampshire, Surrey and nationwide, supporting homeowners who want to create lasting outdoor spaces.
Understanding the differences between hardwood and softwood will help you choose the option that suits your aesthetic, lifestyle and garden best.
What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood?
The distinction between hardwood and softwood isn’t about how hard the timber feels, it’s about the tree it comes from. Hardwood comes from slower-growing, broad-leaved deciduous trees, such as oak, resulting in a denser, heavier and more durable timber. Softwood, such as pine, spruce and Douglas Fir, comes from coniferous trees, which grow faster and produce a lighter, more workable wood.
Oak beams supplied by WL West Timber.
Both can make excellent pergolas. At WL West Timber, our oak and Douglas Fir are selected for their exceptional quality, straight grain and structural integrity, ensuring whichever you choose, the finished pergola will stand the test of time. These qualities make them particularly well suited to outdoor spaces in the South East climate.
Why choose a hardwood pergola?
Hardwood pergolas, particularly those made from oak, are known for their strength, character and longevity. Oak has been trusted for centuries in construction because it’s naturally durable and weather-resistant. It requires no chemical treatment to withstand the elements and will gently age from a warm golden hue to a soft, silvery grey over time.
Hardwood pergolas have a distinctive architectural presence. Their weight and density give a reassuring sense of permanence, making them ideal for homeowners who want a structure that looks established from the start. With minimal maintenance required, they’re a long-term investment that offers timeless appeal.
Our oak pergolas at WL West Timber are crafted from premium QP1 grade European Oak, planed all round for a smooth finish. The result is a structure that’s as strong and enduring as it is beautiful. They pair beautifully with both traditional countryside properties and contemporary homes often found across West Sussex and Surrey.
Why might you choose a softwood pergola?
Softwood pergolas bring their own advantages. Douglas Fir, for example, is renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, clean grain and warm natural tone. It’s easy to work with, offers excellent structural stability, and can be treated or left to weather naturally depending on the look you want to achieve.
Softwood pergolas are often chosen for their versatility. They can be stained or finished to retain their warm colouring, or allowed to weather subtly over time. With periodic care, Douglas Fir pergolas can last for many years, making them an excellent option for homeowners who enjoy personalising their outdoor structures.
WL West Timber’s Douglas Fir is sourced from trusted suppliers and graded carefully to ensure straight, stable timber that performs beautifully outdoors. This makes it a great fit for modern gardens and outdoor spaces throughout the South East.
How do hardwood and softwood compare in terms of maintenance?
When comparing hardwood vs softwood for a pergola, longevity and maintenance are key considerations. Hardwood is naturally durable and low-maintenance. It requires no treatment to stay structurally sound, although some people choose to oil it to preserve its original golden tone.
Many softwoods, such as pine or spruce, are not durable and will need to be supplied as pressure treated timber and then treated every 6-12 months. Douglas Fir, on the other hand, is moderately durable and will only require periodic treatment. This doesn’t make softwood a lesser option, it simply depends on how hands-on you’d like to be. Hardwood offers a classic “fit and forget” solution, while softwood needs more maintenance but is less expensive.
A hardwood oak pergola by WL West Timber.
What aesthetic differences should you expect?
The look and feel of the pergola often plays a decisive role. Hardwood pergolas, especially oak, bring a traditional, timeless character that complements both period and modern properties. Their texture and patina create a sense of depth and craftsmanship.
Softwood pergolas, such as those made from Douglas Fir, tend to offer a lighter, contemporary aesthetic, making them ideal for modern gardens or spaces where a softer presence is preferred. Many homeowners in West Sussex and neighbouring counties choose softwood pergolas for their clean, elegant lines and design flexibility. Both can be crafted to create a refined, elegant structure - the choice is simply about the atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor space.
Which option is more sustainable?
Sustainability is a core principle at WL West Timber. Our oak is responsibly sourced from well-managed French woodlands, while our Douglas Fir is carefully selected from sustainable forestry operations in West Sussex. Hardwood has an exceptionally long lifespan, often lasting decades without chemical treatment, while softwood’s faster growth cycle offers its own environmental advantages.
Whichever option you choose, both timbers are excellent, environmentally conscious choices when sourced responsibly. We supply pergola kits throughout West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and across the UK, ensuring sustainable materials are accessible locally and nationally.
How do you choose the right timber for your pergola?
When it comes to hardwood vs softwood pergolas, there’s no single right answer. If your priority is unmatched durability, minimal maintenance and a timeless, architectural presence, hardwood is an outstanding choice. If you prefer a lighter structure with more flexibility in finish and a contemporary aesthetic, softwood can be equally beautiful and practical.
At WL West Timber, we offer both oak and Douglas Fir pergola kits, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern precision. Each structure is made to last, beautifully designed to elevate your garden and create a space that grows with you over time. If you’re ready to explore your options, our team can help you plan the perfect pergola for your property in West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey or beyond. Enquire now to speak with us and find the right solution for your home.
A timber pergola by WL West Timber
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. Hardwood, such as oak, naturally lasts longer outdoors due to its density and weather resistance. Softwood can also last many years with the right care.
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Yes. The frequency of treatment depends on the softwood.
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No treatment is required to protect it structurally. Some homeowners choose to oil hardwood to preserve its original colour, but this is optional.
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Softwood’s lighter tone suits contemporary spaces beautifully, while hardwood offers a striking, classic presence. Both work well in properties across the South East, depending on the desired aesthetic.
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Yes. At WL West Timber, both hardwood and softwood are responsibly sourced from well-managed woodlands, ensuring your pergola is an environmentally sound choice. We deliver throughout West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and the wider UK.
Should you choose hardwood or softwood for your pergola?
At WL West Timber, we offer both oak and Douglas Fir pergola kits, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern precision. Each structure is made to last, beautifully designed to elevate your garden and create a space that grows with you over time. If you’re ready to explore your options, our team can help you plan the perfect pergola for your property in West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey or beyond. Enquire now to speak with us and find the right solution for your home.