When people think of solid wood furniture, their minds often go straight to oak, walnut, or ash, the so-called hardwoods. Pine and other softwoods, meanwhile, sometimes get unfairly labelled as the “cheaper” or “less durable” option. The truth is, softwood isn’t inferior at all. In many ways, it’s more sustainable, adaptable, and practical for everyday furniture like dining tables, desks, and coffee tables.
Understanding the Difference
The terms hardwood and softwood don’t actually describe how hard or soft the wood is. They refer to the type of tree it comes from. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut grow from deciduous trees, while softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir come from evergreens. Some hardwoods, such as balsa, are softer than pine, while some softwoods are surprisingly dense.
Pine sits in a sweet spot: light enough to work with easily, but strong and stable when properly seasoned. It takes joinery well, resists warping when kiln dried, and holds up beautifully under daily use. That’s why you’ll find it in everything from handmade desks to dining tables and shelving.
Most of our standard designs are made from solid pine. We make everything to order, and we also work with other timbers like oak, ash, or walnut. If you’d like more information or want to explore a custom option, get in touch and we’ll be glad to help.
Sustainable by Nature
Softwood trees grow far faster than hardwoods, which makes them an environmentally responsible choice. A pine tree can mature in 20 to 30 years, while oak or walnut might take more than 80. Because of that shorter growth cycle, sustainably managed softwood forests can be replanted and renewed more quickly, ensuring a steady supply without overharvesting.
At Pastos & Co, all our pine is joinery-grade and sustainably sourced, meaning it’s slow-grown, straight-grained, and carefully selected. Every board is kiln dried in our workshop to the ideal indoor humidity level, planed all around, and prepared by hand before being cut and joined into your furniture.
Choosing softwood doesn’t just help the planet, it supports sustainable forestry and keeps solid wood furniture accessible without compromising on quality or longevity.
Strength, Stability and Character
Pine has a warm tone and naturally varied grain that gives each piece its own subtle character. With the right preparation and finish, it’s every bit as durable as hardwood, but far easier to live with day to day.
Because it’s lighter, softwood furniture is easier to move, adapt, or reconfigure. It also reacts less dramatically to seasonal humidity changes once it’s been properly kiln dried and sealed. That means fewer cracks, less movement, and a more stable surface for daily use.
It’s also more forgiving to repair or refinish over time. A light sand and a new coat of finish can restore a pine table or desk beautifully, something far trickier with veneered or laminated furniture.
Explore our full range here.
Finishing and Maintenance
We treat all our softwood furniture with water-based stain and varnish that allows the timber to breathe while protecting it from spills, stains, and general wear. These finishes are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly, requiring far less maintenance than oil or wax products.
Softwood also takes stain beautifully, which means it’s much easier to create an exact tone or match your existing furniture. Hardwood can be more rigid in how it absorbs colour, while pine allows for a wider range of finishes and natural looks.
The result is a surface that feels natural to the touch yet resists moisture and marks, making it ideal for busy spaces. Whether it’s a solid wood dining table that hosts family meals or a real wood desk that anchors your workspace, the finish helps it stay beautiful for years with minimal effort.
Why We Choose Softwood
We work with oak, walnut, ash, and maple, and many other types of wood if we can guarantee a sustainable source, but pine remains our favourite. It’s adaptable, sustainable, and genuinely honest, a material that rewards good craftsmanship without waste. It lets us create solid, real wood furniture that feels personal and down to earth, without pushing the price beyond reach.
Choosing pine also lets us stay true to how we build: simple, sturdy, and handmade with care. Every Pastos piece is made to order, cut, joined, and finished in our Brighton workshop by our small team of makers.
Made to Order, Made for You
At Pastos & Co, we make everything to order and love working on custom designs too. Whether you’re furnishing a new office, upgrading your dining area, or creating a home workspace, get in touch and we’ll help you design your furniture piece by piece.
