When it comes to choosing outdoor street furniture, softwood is a popular choice for many good reasons. Softwood, which comes from coniferous trees such as pine, cedar, and redwood, offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent option for outdoor use.
Softwood vs Hardwood
The difference between softwood and hardwood may seem self-explanatory, but there is much more than meets the eye.
Softwood comes from coniferous trees, which are trees that have cones and needle-like leaves, such as pine, cedar, and spruce. Softwood is typically less dense and more pliable than hardwood, making it suitable for construction where flexibility is important.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which shed their leaves annually, such as oak, maple, and cherry. Hardwood is generally denser and more durable than softwood; however, it takes longer to grow and is more expensive.
So, while the names might suggest otherwise, hardwood and softwood are classified based on the type of tree the wood comes from rather than its actual hardness.
Affordability
Softwood outdoor furniture is often less expensive than hardwood, making it a cost-effective choice for outdoor settings.
The natural appeal and versatility of softwood allows for easy customisation through painting or staining, catering to various outdoor decor preferences. However, it's important to consider that softwood street furniture may require more upkeep, particularly when exposed to the elements, to maintain its durability and appearance over time.
If you're working on a tight budget, softwood is great as it's easier and cheaper to source sustainably.
Ease of maintenance
Softwood outdoor furniture is relatively easy to maintain and can be treated to withstand the elements, providing long-lasting durability for outdoor use.
Softwood street furniture offers the benefit of requiring very little maintenance.
Thanks to its natural resilience and durability, softwood can withstand everyday wear and tear with little to no upkeep.
This makes it a convenient choice if you want to enjoy the beauty of wood furniture without the hassle of frequent maintenance, especially for outdoor use. If you plan on using softwood furniture for outdoor dining, such as a picnic bench, it can be easily cleaned with an occasional wipe-down, making it a practical and low-maintenance option for any outdoor space.
Versatility
Softwood can be easily shaped and styled to fit a variety of designs, so you can find furniture that seamlessly complements any outdoor setting. Whether aiming for a classic, rustic look or a more modern and sleek aesthetic, softwood street furniture comes in all shapes and sizes!
In addition to its adaptability, softwood is relatively lightweight compared to hardwood. This makes it easy to move around and reconfigure your outdoor space as needed. It is important to note that although lightweight, all our softwood street furniture is durable and heavy enough to withstand the elements and resist strong winds.
From benches to planters to litter bins, our softwood street furniture is durable, attractive and adaptable to various outdoor spaces.
Sustainability
At Broxap, we ensure the wood we use in our manufacturing process is FSC-certified. This certification guarantees that our wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests, meeting a specific standard that supports biodiversity and sustainable practices.
We're proud to have held FSC® certification for over 10 years, supporting biodiversity in forests around the world.
Under our continuous investment programme, Project Transform, we aim to lead by example and put sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Through inclusive designs, sustainable manufacturing initiatives, and high-quality installation projects, Broxap transforms outdoor spaces daily across the UK.
Sourcing Softwood Street Furniture
The affordability, sustainability, and natural beauty of softwood make it an excellent choice for street furniture. By choosing Broxap softwood furniture, you can create welcoming and attractive outdoor environments while demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.