Hardwood Timber vs Softwood Timber vs Wood Effect Windows

Hardwood Timber

Wooden windows have always been the premier choice for customers. Hardwood in particular holds a certain appeal, with a material range including oak, timber and pine adding a stylish, darker finish to the home. The design and manufacture of hardwood timber windows is a particular favourite for those with more traditional period properties because of its naturally warm look and feel. 

They are also considered to be fairly durable and high in quality, used for more than just window design but other manufactured furnishings within the home.  However, hardwood windows and doors do fall short with regards to durability and practicality, especially if left untreated and exposed to the damp British weather.

While this is not to say they can’t be made to last longer, it would require a lot more expensive and time-consuming maintenance to delay the onset of decay. Furthermore, hardwood is prone to easily shattering and scratching, so can cause further issues in your home.

Softwood Timber

In comparison to hardwood windows, softwood timber windows tend to be lighter in weight and colour. Many homeowners have been drawn to softwood windows for their ability to uphold a traditional look with a modern finish. They are also generally cheaper than hardwood and easier to work with, suiting a wider range of window and door applications. It is also a more practical material, as softwood tends to grow a lot faster than hardwood, so is much more readily available. 

However, softwood windows lack the density and strength of hardwood windows. They easily absorb moisture and as a result, are less durable and more vulnerable to the elements. So, while they remain a more cost-effective option in the short term when compared to hardwood timber windows, they require far more attention and preservation in the long term. They also lack the aesthetic appeal of hardwood windows, with a less expensive cost leading to a clearly less expensive look. 

Manufacturers have now developed an alternative window and door range that looks just as good as timber, but with the added practicality and sustainability that advanced PVCu technology has to offer. 

 PVCu is quickly becoming a highly popular competitor in the window market with the development of authentic looking PVCu wooden windows. These lookalike timber framed double glazed windows are advantageous in not only looking good but by being energy efficient. A new authentic wood effect foil, Turner Oak, can now be used with REHAU solutions as a realistic timber window alternative. 

Consequently, you can now enjoy the best of both worlds with the bright warm colours of natural wooden windows, while enjoying the durability wood effect windows can offer. Turner Oak windows are almost maintenance-free, requiring no sanding treatment or fresh paint throughout their long service life, they have thermally efficient double glazing, and are sustainably sourced.

REHAU window systems with Turner Oak included as standard include the TOTAL70 and Rio Flush Fit range, with the foil also available as an option for the company’s Heritage frames. Each window type has been manufactured with security, rigidity and strength in mind, exceeding alternatives such as timber casement windows. Furthermore, PVCu has inherent flame retardancy properties, whereas traditional hardwood and softwood windows definitely do not.

PVCu window frames can also be repurposed a number of times, unlike wooden double glazed windows, for instance. Thanks to innovative recycling techniques, materials in the frame that once would have been placed into landfill can be kept in the supply chain for longer, benefiting the environment.

As the technology continues to go from strength to strength and expand beyond just timber window and door alternatives, PVCu solutions will grow in popularity. Already, PVCu wooden windows are an intriguing option for homeowners, and can provide you with a wide range of unique benefits when you’re considering the right frames for your home.