⸻ Timber Windows Installed Across Scotland & UK
Bespoke Timber Windows
Timber windows are highly customisable and are usually made to bespoke sizes and configurations and offer a wide range of design possibilities. They can be shaped and crafted to fit unusual or non-standard window openings, and the finish can be specified to suit individual preferences.
One of the most significant draws of timber windows is their natural beauty. Wood has a unique grain and texture that adds warmth, character, and elegance to any building. Bespoke timber windows can be stained or painted to match a wide variety of interior and exterior designs, making them a flexible choice for different architectural styles, from rustic cottages to sleek modern homes.
Timber windows offer a timeless, versatile, and sustainable option for both traditional and modern homes. Their aesthetic appeal, excellent thermal performance, and environmentally friendly credentials make them an attractive choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and efficiency.
Types of Timber Windows
Timber windows come in various designs and styles, each suited to different architectural aesthetics and functional needs. Some of the most common types include:
Timber casement windows are hinged at the side or at the top and open outward, providing excellent ventilation. Their design makes them popular and versatile, fitting seamlessly into both modern and traditional homes.
Sash windows are often associated with traditional British architecture, particularly Georgian and Victorian homes. These windows consist of one or more movable sashes that slide up and down and are often known as Timber Box Sash Windows or Sliding Sash Windows. With their classic charm and elegance, timber sash windows have a timeless appeal.
Historically, box sash windows were single glazed and prone to draughts, but today, modern double glazed timber sash windows are now the standard, providing excellent thermal efficiency. This advancement enhances comfort and improves energy savings in homes while maintaining the aesthetic character of traditional designs.
This modern design combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. Tilt-and-turn windows can be opened in two ways: they can tilt inward at the top for ventilation or fully swing open from the side for easier cleaning and emergency access.
Bay windows project outward from the main external walls of a property, creating a space inside that can be used for seating or storage. Timber bay windows add a sense of grandeur to a building, allowing more natural light to flood into the room while providing panoramic views. Many Victorian and Edwardian houses feature bespoke timber bay windows.
Fixed timber windows do not open and are often used in combination with other window types to provide uninterrupted views of the garden and beyond.
Timber windows have been a popular choice in construction for centuries due to their natural beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. As architectural styles have evolved, so too have timber windows, which remain a preferred option for both traditional and modern buildings. The appeal of timber windows lies in their aesthetic qualities and environmental benefits and versatility. With advances in wood treatment and glazing technologies, timber windows have become even more effective at providing insulation, enhancing security, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable building materials. They are an environmentally friendly option, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests.
⸻ Fixed Windows
Double Glazed Timber Windows
Double glazed timber windows combine the natural beauty and warmth of wood with the energy efficiency of double glazing, creating a window solution that is both visually appealing and highly functional. These windows are a popular choice for homeowners and architects who value sustainability, insulation, and design versatility.
With modern innovations improving their durability and ease of maintenance, timber windows continue to be a relevant and desirable feature in today’s building industry.
⸻ Energy efficiency
Softwood Timber Windows
Softwood timber windows can be highly durable if they are properly treated, finished, and maintained. While they may not be as naturally resilient as hardwoods, advances in wood treatments and modern paint finishes ensure that softwood windows can provide long-lasting performance. Regular maintenance is key to preserving their beauty and structural integrity over time.
Modern treatments can significantly improve the durability of softwood such as Pine, Spruce, and Douglas Fir. Pressure treatment with preservatives or factory-applied finishes can protect softwood windows from the elements, increasing their resistance to decay and extending their lifespan. Engineered softwood timber, made by bonding multiple layers of wood together, is often used to increase stability and reduce the risk of bespoke timber windows warping or twisting.
Many softwood timber windows are now pre-treated with advanced finishes before installation. Microporous paints and stains are commonly used because they allow the wood to “breathe” while protecting it from moisture. These finishes prevent cracking and peeling and significantly reduce the amount of maintenance required.
Like all timber windows, softwood windows require periodic maintenance to remain in good condition. This includes re-painting or staining every few years and checking for signs of wear like peeling paint or minor cracks. Proper maintenance can extend the life of softwood windows to several decades.
⸻ Bespoke Shapes
Hardwood Timber Windows
One of the advantages of Hardwood is its exceptional durability and strength, which ensures that hardwood timber windows can withstand harsh weather conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Hardwood, such as Oak, is naturally more resistant to warping and cracking than Softwood, providing longevity and reliability over time.
Hardwood windows offer excellent insulation properties, helping to reduce energy costs by keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Aesthetically, hardwood features beautiful grain patterns and rich colours, adding warmth and character to both traditional and contemporary designs. It can be easily stained or painted to match any interior decor.
Additionally, hardwood is a renewable resource when sourced sustainably, contributing to eco-friendly building practices.
⸻ How much do timber windows costs?
Timber Windows Cost
Softwood windows are typically more affordable than hardwood alternatives, making them a cost-effective choice for many homeowners. With the right treatment, they can offer excellent value for money.
While hardwood windows such as Oak tend to be more expensive than a Softwood timber window, their durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency can offer long-term savings, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
