Woodchip vs Bark: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between woodchip and bark can make a difference to the appearance and maintenance of your outdoor space. Although both are natural materials derived from trees, they have different characteristics that make them suitable for different projects.

In this guide, we'll compare their appearance, practical benefits, maintenance requirements and cost to help you choose the right option.

What Is the Difference Between Woodchip and Bark?

Woodchip is produced by chipping wood into smaller pieces. Its appearance and texture vary depending on the type of timber and how it is processed. It is a versatile material used in a range of outdoor applications.

Bark chippings are made from the outer layer of trees. They are often chosen for their natural, decorative appearance, particularly in garden landscaping.

The main differences are the material itself, the finish it creates and its suitability for your particular project.

Woodchip vs Bark: At a Glance

Feature	Woodchip	Bark
Appearance	Varied wood pieces with a practical, natural finish	Textured, decorative finish
Texture	Depends on the timber and chip size	Depends on bark type and grade
Breakdown	Gradually breaks down over time	Also decomposes over time
Maintenance	May need raking, cleaning and topping up	May need weeding and topping up
Best choice	Depends on the intended application and product specification	Depends on the intended application and desired finish

Neither material is automatically better. The right choice depends on how the area will be used and the characteristics of the product.

Which Is Better for Your Project?

Consider woodchip when…

You need a versatile material for a suitable outdoor application. Woodchip can be used in landscaping and chicken runs, provided the product is appropriate for the intended use.

For chicken runs, pay particular attention to cleanliness, drainage and the suitability of the woodchip for poultry. Wet or heavily contaminated material should be removed promptly.

Consider bark when…

You want a decorative finish for garden borders, flower beds or planting schemes. Bark chippings can create a natural-looking surface around shrubs and established plants.

When applying bark, avoid piling it against tree trunks or plant stems, and maintain the area as necessary.

What about playgrounds?

Play areas require additional care when selecting a surface material. Ordinary landscaping woodchip and decorative bark should not automatically be considered suitable for playground use.

Choose a product specifically intended for the application and check its relevant safety specifications, installation requirements and suitability for the equipment's fall height. 

Which Is Easier to Maintain?

Both materials require some maintenance, and neither will last indefinitely.

Woodchip and bark gradually break down through exposure to weather and general use. They may also become displaced, compacted or mixed with soil.

To keep your chosen material in good condition:

1. Check the surface periodically for signs of deterioration.

2. Remove unwanted debris and any contaminated material.

3. Address drainage problems rather than simply covering them with fresh material.

4. Top up when the layer becomes thin or the appearance deteriorates.

The rate at which either material needs replenishing depends on the product, weather, ground conditions and level of use.

How to Calculate How Much Woodchip You Need

Follow these three simple steps to estimate how much woodchip you need for your project.

Step 1: Measure your area

Measure the length and width of the area in metres.

For example:

Length: 5 metres

Width: 4 metres

Multiply the measurements together to calculate the surface area:

5 × 4 = 20 square metres

Step 2: Decide on the depth

Choose the depth of woodchip required for your intended use. For this example, we'll use 5 centimetres, which is 0.05 metres.

Multiply the surface area by the depth:

20 × 0.05 = 1 cubic metre

Step 3: Convert this into litres and bags

One cubic metre is equivalent to 1,000 litres.

We offer woodchip in 50L bags, 1,000L bulk bags and 2,000L bulk bags, so you can choose the option that best suits your project.

For our example of 1,000 litres, you would need approximately:

20 × 50L bags, or

1 × 1,000L bulk bag

A 2,000L bulk bag would provide twice the calculated volume, leaving extra woodchip for future top-ups.

Before ordering, consider the volume you need, your budget and the delivery cost for each option.

Choose the Right Material for Your Needs

The best choice comes down to three things: the purpose of the area, the finish you want and the suitability of the product.

Woodchip offers a versatile, natural option for a range of outdoor projects, while bark is often selected for its decorative appearance in landscaped gardens. By comparing the product specifications and considering how the area will be used, you can make a more informed decision.

At MA Woodchips & Bark, we're a family-run supplier offering quality woodchip, bark and sand for a variety of outdoor applications.

Explore our range to find the right material and quantity for your next project.

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