Hardwood windows and doors are manufactured from various species of timber and the wooden frames are finished to protect them from the weather.
Though hardwood is probably the most expensive product commonly used to manufacture windows from, it certainly adds a touch of class to a home and hardwood windows are ideal for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Ideal for conservation projects, flush casement hardwood windows combine traditional design with modern thermal efficiency and security.
Traditional features generally include at least a 90mm frame section depth, dummy vents to create equal glass sight lines, casement stays, monkey tail handles and butt hinges.
Modern shootbolt espagnolette locking systems together with friction stay hinges and anti-jemmy devices are often available as optional extras. Flush casement hardwood windows are normally dry gasket glazed with sloped or concealed drainage which helps to prevent the build up of moisture.
A versatile product, storm proof hardwood windows can be adapted to suit most properties and are often available with either narrow or deep frame sections to suit the brick or stone work or your home.
Traditional features generally include casement stays, monkey tail handles and butt hinges, though modern shootbolt espagnolette locking systems together with friction stay hinges and anti-jemmy devices are often available as optional extras.
Storm proof casement windows are normally dry gasket glazed with sloped or concealed drainage which helps to prevent the build up of moisture.
Sliding sash hardwood windows on spiral balances combine an authentic period feel with the practical benefits of modern window design.
They have pre-tensioned spiral balances and lockable fasteners.
Top, bottom or both sashes can slide vertically and can be fitted with an optional tilt function to make cleaning the outside of the window from inside your home much easier.
Sliding sash hardwood windows can also be individualised with decorative Georgian or Astragal Bar, whilst still providing thermal insulation to satisfy current Building Regulations.
Traditional brass or black ironmongery options can include sash rings, fitch fasteners, lockable restrictors and D handles.
They are normally dry gasket glazed with sloped or concealed drainage which helps to prevent the build up of moisture.
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A selection of timber species is available for hardwood windows with each one providing its own character.
Timber species used for window installations in the UK should wherever possible be sourced through PEFC (the world’s largest forest certification organisation), FSC (the Forest Stewardship Council) or Verified Progress certified sustainability schemes.
The main timber species used, in order of cost, with the least expensive first, are: –
European Redwood
Normally used as an engineered laminate stock, European Redwood provides a cost effective solution for hardwood windows.
European Redwood is laminated (where more than one length of the timber is glued together with the grain of each length at 90º to the adjacent one) in order to improve durability and stability.
Sapele Hardwood
Sapele is a class three to four moderately durable hardwood from West Africa featuring an attractive reddish brown grain which is enhanced by a stained finish.
It is one of the most popular species to be used due to its availability and relatively reasonable cost.
Accoya®
Accoya® is the world’s leading high technology, long life timber product and consists of a pine species which has been modified by the acetylation process to provide a class one durable timber, at least as strong, durable and stable as most tropical species.
The acetylation process creates a non-toxic but permanent change in the chemical composition of the timber to make it resistant to biological attack and weathering. It also provides more dimensional stability and rigidity.
To achieve this, acetylation causes a reduction in hygroscopicity of the timber – in other words, it less likely to be affected by water and water vapour.
European Oak
European Oak is a durable class two timber with an attractive grain and should not be confused with American White Oak which is suitable only for internal joinery products.
European Oak is one of the most expensive species to be used for windows but will result in an excellent and long lasting product.
Hardwood windows are designed as long lasting products which plays an important role in the responsible management of natural resources and sustainability.
The very best manufacturers’ paint or wood stain finishes on hardwood products are of a very high standard, with each product typically undergoing a four stage process. This includes protection of the end grains, a primer coat applied by a flow-coater and two top coats applied by a controlled spray line.
This paint process protects hardwood windows in the following ways: –
• Against harmful ultra-violet rays which can cause greying of the wood.
• Against water ingress, but being micro-porous the paint also allows any excess moisture to escape.
• Being flexible, the paint is allowed expand and contract naturally with the timber.
Translucent Colour Finishes
These translucent colours are generally available on hardwood windows but you should request to see a colour board prior to making your decision, to confirm your choice.
Opaque Finish Colours
The following opaque colours are generally available on hardwood windows but you should request to see a colour board prior to making your decision.
