The Ultimate Guide to Wooden Windows

Welcome to our comprehensive wooden windows guide

When it comes to choosing windows for your project, wooden windows stand out as a timeless option that combines aesthetic appeal with practical benefits. In this guide we lay out the advantages of timber windows, the cost considerations and maintenance tips to help you make an informed decision.

In this guide you will find:

1. Key features and benefits of wooden windows
2. How to choose the best wood type for your project
3. Costs versus savings
4. Wooden windows maintenance guide

1. Key Features and benefits of wooden windows

Here at Eterno we’re big fans of wooden windows, and here are our top three reasons why.

• Superior Insulation
  One of the standout benefits of wooden windows is their exceptional thermal insulation properties. Wood is a natural insulator, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment. This is especially useful in the UK, with heating costs rising and the constant need to heat or cool down properties due to the unpredictable weather.
• Unrivalled Classic Aesthetics
  Wooden windows add a classic, natural look to any property, enhancing its character and charm. Available in various styles, they can complement both traditional and contemporary homes. Whether you prefer a sleek modern finish or a rustic appeal, wooden windows can be customized to fit your design vision.
• Eco-Friendly Choice
  Wood is a renewable resource, making wooden windows an environmentally friendly option. By choosing sustainably sourced timber, you can contribute to the preservation of forests while reducing your carbon footprint.

2. How To Choose The Best Wood Type For Your Project

The wooden windows frames that we offer are made from both softwood and hardwood. Here are the main differences.

• Softwood from trees like pine, cedar, and spruce, is a go-to for window frames due to its affordability and sustainability. It’s lightweight, easy to customise with paint or stain, and cost-effective, though it demands regular maintenance to combat wear and environmental damage.
  Softwood windows are ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and properties in less harsh climates, where the material can be maintained with minimal effort.
• Hardwood, sourced from trees such as oak, mahogany, and teak, offers superior durability and longevity with less need for regular maintenance. Its natural resistance to rot and insects makes it a robust window option. Hardwoods’ rich colours and grain patterns also add a distinctive appeal to any property.
  One thing to note is that they do come at a premium cost; hardwood is generally more expensive due to its slower growth rates and extraction and processing complexity. However, hardwood windows are a perfect standout design element for historic or high-value properties.

Softwood windows

Softwoods come from coniferous trees that grow quickly, such as pine or spruce. These trees produce light-coloured, lightweight wood that is easily cut and shaped. The main advantage of softwood is that it’s more readily available and, consequently, more affordable. Pine and spruce windows are the cheapest wooden windows, but affordability doesn’t necessarily translate to lower quality, as modern windows from quality manufacturers are built to last.
In terms of aesthetics, many softwood species have a fine grain, which suits contemporary properties, though it can be painted or stained in practically any colour.

Hardwood windows

Hardwoods are derived from slower-growing deciduous trees, such as oak or mahogany. These species produce denser and heavier wood than softwood, with excellent strength and durability. Oak is by far the most common hardwood for windows. Hardwood windows are known for their exceptional longevity. With proper care, they can easily last a lifetime.
In terms of aesthetics, hardwoods are prized for their rich colour and distinct grain patterns. Although  hardwood windows are more expensive than many other window types, they should be considered long-term investments.

Here are the most popular wood types that you can choose from.

• Pine
  Pine is an affordable softwood with a light hue and distinctive grain. It’s bright and natural, perfect for contemporary homes.
  Pine is softer than hardwoods like oak, so it’s often viewed as less durable. However, thanks to modern manufacturing, treatments and finishes, pine windows last much longer than they once did, bringing their longevity on par with hardwoods. Moreover, pine is highly workable, making it suitable for custom designs.
  Pine windows are often constructed from several sheets of pine glued together, and Redwood is the most common form of pine used for window construction in the UK.
• Spruce
  Spruce shares many characteristics with pine. It’s a fast-growing coniferous tree that produces softwood suited for construction. Douglas fir is the most common variety of spruce used in window construction. Despite looking similar to pine, spruce exhibits a somewhat straighter and more consistent grain. It’s considered slightly longer lasting than pine, offering a good balance of affordability and durability. It also has great mechanical properties, that’s why it’s not only used for window manufacture but as also for building construction (CLT is made out of spruce).
• Oak
  Oak is a classic choice for wooden windows due to its renowned durability, strength and beautiful grain patterns. Oak’s rich, warm colour provides a traditional aesthetic that suits many properties.
  As a hardwood, oak is denser and harder than softwood. As such, it’s renowned for its impressive lifespan, and good-quality oak windows should last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
  In fact, there are examples of oak windows from centuries ago that are still in good condition today.
• Mahogany
  Mahogany is a high-end hardwood option typically reserved for premium window construction.
  It’s known for its deep, reddish-brown colour and fine, smooth grain. Mahogany is very durable and resistant to rot and decay, but its use is often limited to specialist manufacturers due to higher costs.

3. Costs versus long term savings

While the initial investment for wooden windows may be higher than alternatives like aluminium, their durability and longevity often justify the expense. High-quality wooden windows can last for decades with proper care, potentially saving you money on replacements and energy costs in the long run. With excellent insulation properties, wooden windows can help reduce heating and cooling costs. Additionally, their repairability means you can extend their lifespan with minimal investment.

4. Maintenance of wooden windows

Our wooden window frames are very easy to maintain. Thanks to the advanced finishes that come as a standard with all our trusted glazing partners you get a total peace of mind. Your wooden windows are protected from rot and the elements thanks to the durable finish.

· Easy cleaning: All you need is mild soap and water, no expensive chemicals required. Just gently wipe the frames clean every once in a while.
· Repaint or Refinish: Our standard finishes come with 5-7 years guarantee. To protect the wood from the elements, consider repainting or refinishing your windows after that. This not only enhances their appearance but also provides a protective barrier against moisture and UV damage.