Trends for timber windows

Timber windows remain popular for multiple reasons, chief among them their attractive appearance. However, it might surprise you to know that due to advancing technology, PVCu windows that look like wood are available, providing the benefits of polymer solutions with the curb appeal of wooden windows. Read on for the pros and cons of timber windows, and how PVC wood effect windows can offer a cost-effective way to realise the best aspects of both materials.

Over recent years, there has been an ever-increasing demand for window systems that are attractive and can provide savings on energy bills. As a result, PVCu has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners, in place of traditional wood.

Though the popularity of wooden windows endures, ongoing innovation has led to the development of a near-identical PVCu wood grain effect foil for windows and doors. As a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to timber, these PVCu solutions offer that prized, traditional look, alongside excellent thermal efficiency and durability.

Windows will always be a key part of a home’s curb appeal, so it is natural that you want good-looking, practical options for your house. Due to their appealing aesthetics, timber windows have tended to be the first-choice for homeowners with traditional-looking houses.

However, maintaining real timber can be very expensive, and can represent a hidden cost for homeowners. Today’s PVC wood effect windows can provide market-leading heating performance and robustness, while enjoying market-leading security ratings, while mirroring the look of its timber window counterpart.

PVCu windows that look like wood

Evolving PVCu wooden window technology has led to many homeowners realising they can have it all – the traditional look of wooden windows, and the excellent performance of PVCu. This is in contrast to when PVC was introduced to the market in the 1980s, where you needed to choose between expensive-to-maintain timber, and PVCu double glazing, which was often only available in white and would jar with the appearance of a traditional home.

Faced with this challenge, PVCu solution manufacturers have developed PVCu timber effect windows. These solutions, which include white wood grain effect PVCu windows, convincingly mimic original wooden frames. As a result, PVCu windows with ‘wooden’ frames can offer the practicality and performance of white PVCu windows, while also providing the visual appeal of original timber.

Turner Oak

REHAU, for instance, now offers Turner Oak, an authentic wood effect foil of identical appearance to timber windows. It features a natural wood effect that expertly mimics timber via a deeply embossed surface and matt top layer. As they do not need to be painted or sanded during its lifetime, windows in this foil are able to look visually appealing while remaining highly durable and provide excellent levels of thermal efficiency.

Beyond that, Turner Oak’s ability to provide a natural-looking wooden PVCu window means it fits well with other warm, bright shades to create a welcoming look for your home. It feels like wood and looks like wood, while providing benefits beyond what wood has to offer.

The REHAU range

Turner Oak is available as standard with REHAU’s range of timber effect PVCu windows, including the Rio Flush Fit and TOTAL70, and can be selected as an option with Heritage vertical sliding sash windows. These plastic windows that look like wood blend seamlessly with rustic and traditional-looking properties. They are also easy for installers to fit, so time spent working at your home is minimised. As a result, you can quickly realise the benefits of high-quality PVC wooden effect windows, including reduced noise pollution, excellent energy efficiency, and a robustness that allows for a long service life.

In conclusion, while timber windows will always have their appeal, wood effect PVCu windows can go beyond looks alone. By combining market-leading polymer windows with visually attractive wood effect foils that look like the real thing, you do not need to compromise between best possible performance and best possible visual appeal.

For more information about REHAU’s high-quality range, including french doors, sash windows, casement windows and more, visit our Windows range.

Find out which window material suits your lifestyle in our 21st Century Window Renovation Guide:

Read Timber & Aluminium Guide

Clare Higgins

Senior Product Manager

Window Solutions

REHAU UK