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Softwood or Hardwood
It's nothing to do with the hardness or
softness of the wood although usually hardwood is much more resilient than
softwood.
Balsa wood is a hardwood and we all know how soft that is.
Softwood grows fast and has a more porous cell structure
which left untreated will rot quickly.
Some 30 years ago pressure treatments were invented that mean softwoods are
impervious to damp and fungal decay. This treatment called tanalising
can make softwoods last for 40 of 50 years in damp ground conditions. Which
means many softwoods can last as long as some hardwoods
To focus what you need
Appearance is the main difference between hard and soft woods. They do smell different.
Hardwood decks are more expensive this usually tends to focus people's idea's of which deck to have. A softwood deck costing £2,500 would cost £3,500 in Iroko £6,000 in Oak and £10,000 in Teak. They all give you the same space obviously they feel different but for the extra money they need to.
