What Type of Wood Is Used For Timber Windows?

Explore the benefits of softwoods and hardwoods for timber windows with Dale Joinery.

Timber windows can be crafted from a variety of wood types, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and performance.

At Dale Joinery, our award-winning range of bespoke wooden windows and doors is manufactured using slow, cold-grown European Redwood timber. This timber offers excellent benefits and an average lifespan of 60+ years! It’s also sustainably sourced timber imported from forests that carry the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® —C124392) certification.

Below are some of the most common types of wood used for timber windows.

Softwoods

Softwoods are lightweight, cost-effective, and commonly used for timber windows.

Redwood (Scots Pine):

Durable and widely available.

Easy to work with and can be treated for added longevity.

Excellent insulation properties due to its natural air content.

Douglas Fir:

Known for its stability and resistance to warping.

Has a warm, natural grain pattern.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are denser and more durable, offering long-lasting performance.

Oak:

Known for its strength, durability, and classic appearance.

Resistant to wear and weathering, ideal for traditional and modern properties.

Sapele:

A sustainable hardwood often used as an alternative to mahogany.

Features a rich, reddish-brown hue and excellent stability.

Accoya:

Technically a softwood (radiata pine) but modified through an acetylation process to enhance durability and stability.

Highly resistant to rot, shrinkage, and swelling, making it perfect for long-lasting windows.

Engineered Timber

Laminated or Engineered Wood:

Created by bonding layers of timber together for enhanced strength and stability.

Reduces the risk of warping, twisting, or splitting, especially in larger frames.

Explore the pros and cons of softwoods and hardwoods in our in-depth guide here.

Key Considerations for Choosing Timber

Below, we’ve listed some key considerations when choosing the type of timber for your windows.

Durability: Hardwoods like oak and sapele offer exceptional longevity.

Aesthetic: Consider the grain, colour, and finish options of each wood type.

Sustainability: Look for timber sourced from certified, sustainable forests (e.g., FSC-certified).

Budget: Softwoods are generally more affordable, while hardwoods and Accoya come at a premium.

About Dale Joinery

Dale Joinery is a leading manufacturer of timber windows and doors in the UK. We understand timber’s role in the construction industry as an environmental champion, which is why all of our products use sustainably sourced timber combined with expert craftsmanship to provide our customers with long-lasting, high-performing products.

Explore the free Dale brochure to learn more about our product range, or request a quote for your next project. Whether you’re tackling a new build, multi-plot development, or restoration project, we’re here to help.