Timber - PVC - Aluminium - Windows, Doors & Conservatories in Hampshire
Softwood vs. Hardwood Windows & Doors: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Softwood vs. Hardwood Windows & Doors: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Hardwood, softwood, a mixture of both, or engineered timber? The choice can be overwhelming. While initially more expensive than uPVC or aluminium, timber windows justify the cost with superior longevity (60+ years) and unmatched character.
In this guide, KJM Group breaks down the science, the costs, the maintenance, and the aesthetics to help you make the right investment for your home, whether you are considering hardwood doors for a grand entrance or replacement sash windows.
In this guide:
The Core Difference: Biology vs. Terminology
The terms “Hardwood” and “Softwood” are botanical definitions, not necessarily descriptions of physical density. For example, Balsa wood is technically a hardwood despite being incredibly soft! The distinction lies in cellular structure:
🌲 Gymnosperms vs. Angiosperms
- Hardwoods (Angiosperms): Deciduous trees (e.g., Oak). They have a complex structure with four cell types, making them generally denser and more durable. Ideal for listed buildings.
- Softwoods (Gymnosperms): Conifers and evergreens (e.g., Pine/Redwood). They have a simpler structure with only two cell types. They grow faster, making them more sustainable and affordable.
Quick Comparison: Lifespan & Cost
While timber windows generally cost around 3x the price of uPVC, their lifespan is significantly longer. A well-maintained hardwood window can outlast two or three sets of plastic windows.
| Timber Type | Est. Lifespan | Cost Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood (Pine/Redwood) | 20 – 30 Years | Low (£) | Budget-conscious renovations |
| Engineered Wood | 30 – 40 Years | Medium (££) | Modern homes & painted finishes |
| Hardwood (Oak/Sapele) | 40 – 60+ Years | High (£££) | Heritage & Listed properties |
| Accoya (Modified) | 50 – 80 Years | Medium-High (£££) | Ultimate performance & low maintenance |
The Sustainability Factor
One of the main reasons homeowners switch back to timber is the environmental impact. Unlike uPVC, which requires significant energy to produce and relies on fossil fuels, timber is carbon-negative.
- Carbon Capture: Trees absorb CO2 as they grow. When the wood is harvested and used in your windows, that carbon is “locked in” for the lifetime of the product.
- Renewable: We only source from FSC-certified forests where more trees are planted than harvested.
- Biodegradable: At the very end of its long life, timber is fully biodegradable or recyclable, unlike plastic which contributes to landfill issues.
The Best Timbers for Windows & Doors
1. Sapele (Hardwood)
Sourced from West Africa, Sapele is KJM’s most popular hardwood. It features a stunning dark reddish-brown hue, perfect for transparent stains.
- Durability: Class 3-4 (Naturally resistant).
- Maintenance: Requires re-staining every 3-5 years depending on exposure.
2. European Oak (Hardwood)
The traditionalist’s choice. Used for centuries, Oak is incredibly dense and strong. However, it is expensive and slow-growing.
- Strength: 720 kg/m² density.
- Note: Oak tannins can react with steel fixings; best used with specialist stainless steel hardware.
3. Engineered Redwood (Softwood)
The Painter’s Choice. Engineered timber is made by bonding wood strands with adhesives, creating a material that is structurally more stable than solid wood.
- Knot-Free: Prevents natural resins from bleeding through and ruining white paint finishes.
- Stability: Resists twisting and warping better than solid softwood.
4. Accoya (Modified Softwood)
Accoya is a “super-wood.” Using a non-toxic acetylation process, the timber’s structure is changed to stop it from absorbing water.
- Guarantee: 50 years above ground.
- Thermal Efficiency: 40% better thermal retention than hardwood.
- Acoustics: Wood naturally dampens sound, but Accoya’s density consistency helps reduce external noise further.
Modern Finishes: Why They Don’t Peel
Many people remember the old days of sanding and repainting wooden windows every summer. Technology has changed that completely.
We use microporous paints and stains. This technology works like GORE-TEX fabric:
- Water Resistance: It stops rain from penetrating the wood from the outside.
- Breathability: It allows internal moisture within the wood to escape as vapor.
Old oil-based paints trapped moisture inside, causing the wood to rot and the paint to blister. Modern finishes flex with the wood and prevent this, extending maintenance intervals to 8-10 years in many cases.
Repair vs. Replace: The Timber Advantage
One of the massive benefits of timber is that it is repairable. If a uPVC window frame cracks, the whole unit often needs replacing. With timber, you have options.
⚠️ When to Replace?
If you see extensive rot (wood is crumbly in multiple places) or structural warping (the sash no longer fits the frame), replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.
Common Timber Issues & Fixes
- Sticking Sash: Often caused by paint buildup or moisture swelling. Fix: Sanding down friction areas and applying wax.
- Warped Wood: Caused by uneven drying. Fix: Minor warping can be corrected by adjusting hardware; severe cases need professional repair.
- Draughts: Older windows often lack seals. Fix: Installing modern weatherstripping can instantly improve energy efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While hardwoods like Oak are denser, high-quality softwoods (especially modified ones like Accoya) offer superior thermal insulation and are more environmentally sustainable due to faster growth rates.
Modern microporous paints allow the wood to breathe, meaning finishes last much longer than in the past. Typically, you should expect to repaint or stain every 5-8 years, or 10-12 years for Accoya.
Yes. While the initial cost is roughly 3x that of uPVC, timber windows add significant value to a property, especially in conservation areas. Their lifespan (60+ years) creates a return on investment that cheaper materials cannot match.
Engineered timber involves gluing multiple layers of wood together with the grain running in opposing directions. This counteracts the natural tendency of wood to twist or warp with humidity changes, resulting in a stronger, more stable frame that is ideal for large windows or doors.
Absolutely. Modern timber windows are internally beaded (glass cannot be removed from outside) and fitted with multi-point locking systems, just like high-security composite or uPVC doors. The solidity of the timber frame itself offers excellent resistance to forced entry.
See the Quality for Yourself
The best way to decide is to feel the grain and see the finishes in person. Visit our Andover showroom to view our full range of Sapele, Oak, and Accoya products.
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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