Wooden windows hard or soft wood

In broad-stroke terms however, hardwoods are generally more durable, and harder to mould and work with, whilst softwoods are the opposite. Both hardwood and softwood windows can last your entire lifetime if maintained and refurbished. There are cases of listed buildings with softwood windows that have lasted well over years!

You can expect your wooden windows, especially hardwood timber, to last up to 60 years or more some of our wooden windows come with a year fungal and rot guarantee. Softwood windows are more responsive to the seasons and will expand and contract more, whilst hardwood windows are a safer bet in terms of longevity. Although all woods are susceptible to fire damage, hardwoods are much more fire resistant than softwoods if that is something you need to consider.

Both hardwood windows and softwood windows can look equally stunning. Hardwoods give you that genuine timber feel that creates a fantastic traditional look. Softwoods tend to be more subtle and understated in appearance. Bear in mind that softwood timber is much more workable than hardwood, giving you more flexibility in terms of carving and creating complex joints. As it takes longer to grow, and is harder to harvest and then work into window frames, this is simply the price you pay for the extra cost and effort that goes into collecting and making it ready for sale.

Softwoods are also a more sustainable option in terms of the environment. As they grow much faster, softwoods are able to be more sustainably sourced. Shop our website for great deals on our fantastic energy-efficient windows. We offer both softwood and hardwood windows , with ranges of sash windows , casement window and more.

We also offer hand made bespoke windows , so you can pick the perfect windows for your home. Softwood Definition : softwood trees on the other hand are seed-bearing and produce seeds that are not covered. These trees are fast growing and produce seeds like pines that are naturally released into the wind once they mature, spreading seeds over a much wider area.

There are many different types of hardwood to choose from when purchasing windows made from hardwood timber. Oak : one of the most traditional material choices for timber windows, oak has been used in window construction for hundreds of years.

Known for its durability and strength, oak is perfect for even the heaviest of uses and can last for a lifetime, if properly maintained.

Meranti : one of the most popular hardwood timbers in UK construction, is extremely strong, durable, and stable. A beautifully attractive hardwood. Meranti is darker timber and is well suited to a transparent coating. Ideal for heritage properties and houses situated in conservation areas. All the hardwood trees are slow grown that have a tighter grain than softwood, making it extremely durable and promising a long lifespan. Hardwood is Strong and Durable : all of our timber windows are constructed from quality timber, retaining the beauty of real wood but with the benefits of rot and decay protection.

Hardwood Windows and Weather Protection : All of the windows we sell and install have been protected against the changeable weather conditions. An impenetrable barrier against any moisture getting into the wood. This helps ensure that our windows are protected all year round. Colourfast Coatings : another benefit of hardwood is that it can be painted or stained to suit the existing look and feel of your property. The harwood windows we sell and install are available in a wide variety of colours.

Our paint and stain warranty protects the aesthetics of your windows from extreme weather conditions and peeling paint. Hardwood Provides Thermal Efficiency : timber is a natural insulator and with the combination of timber window frames and double glazing. Hardwood: this type of wood comes from deciduous trees and broadleaf evergreen trees that flower. The trees are slow growing and the wood has a dense structure.

Some of the most popular types of hardwood are:. Yew is hard for a softwood, and balsa is soft for a hardwood. It can be difficult to understand the properties of different types of wood and choose the one that will be best. If you would like any help, we regularly advise our customers on the best kinds of wood for their windows. Please just ask — call or email info sashwindows. We choose to use redwood that has been kiln dried because this process will reduce the moisture content to make sure the wood is not going to warp.

Kiln drying is faster than letting the wood dry out naturally, and it means that moisture removal can be fully controlled. We make all sash windows by hand in our very own Wandsworth Sash Windows workshop. We use Scandinavian kiln-dried redwood as standard, but we can use any type of timber you like, as every element of your new windows will be made by hand, by our skilled carpenters.

If you would like any help or advice when choosing the most suitable timber for your new sash or casement windows, we are more than happy to help. We can talk you through the options and make sure you choose the right timber for your property. For example, a Wood Window Alliance certified wooden window has a guaranteed lifespan of 60 years or more. While the energy efficiency of wooden windows is largely dependent on the glazing, wood is thermal resistant, making it highly energy efficient.

You can also achieve U-values of up to 1. For this reason, most wood double glazing frames are A rated or higher. Unfortunately, with the high costs of wood, you cannot expect to see a return on your windows unless you get a very good deal on the installation. For example, consider this chart including savings as estimated by the Energy Savings Trust based on average prices. In short, you are unlikely to see a return on your wooden windows. However, wood windows do add value in other ways.