Should I get hardwood or softwood timber windows?

Finding the perfect style of window for your home is as important as understanding the practical benefits of different material types.

This article breaks down the differences between hardwood and softwood timber to help you find the perfect timber windows.

Whether timber is hardwood or softwood all comes down to the timber’s origin. Each timber species is unique and features a different texture, grain and density.

The timber species you choose will depend on what you’re looking for from your windows.

Hardwood timber is a naturally strong, dense, durable wood that withstands the weather. It gets this strength from being a slow-growing broad-leaved tree and has a strong natural resistance to warping and shrinking.

Our hardwood windows are made from Sapele timber that has been responsibly sourced from West Africa. Hardwood window frames are available in a range of painted or stained colour finishes.

Softwood is versatile wood and commonly used for windows, doors and furniture, and in the construction industry. Softwood trees are fast growing making this type of wood easier to work with.

Our softwood windows are made from European pine that has been responsibly sourced. These window frames are laminated and finger jointed for strength and treated with a double vacuum preserve system, to protect against the weather. There’s a wide choice of painted finish colours too.

Timber windows are a popular choice for period homes and homes in conservation areas. Whether they’re sourced from a hardwood or softwood species, they’re brought to life through a combination of age-old joinery skills and wood treatment to give a long lifespan.

Our hardwood and softwood painted windows are finished with our three-coat system to prevent flaking and cracking. There are even options to choose a different finish on the inside and outside of your wooden windows.

5 Reasons to choose our softwood or hardwood windows

1. Anglian wooden windows are sustainably sourced from Forest Stewardship Council timber.
2. Our wooden windows are available in casement, flush, sliding sash, bay, and cottage window styles.
3. They are double-glazed and A-rated as standard, which means they’ll help reduce your heating bills by sealing in more heat.
4. They’re fitted with advanced safety and security features to give you peace of mind.
5. The timber elements and the sealed glass units of the windows come with a 10-year guarantee (exclusions apply), and a 30-year guarantee against rot and fungal attack on coated products, so you’re getting the best for years to come.

In short, you can’t really go wrong with timber windows. Hardwood or softwood, they’re durable, good-looking and last decades with the proper care and maintenance.

Still haven’t made up your mind between hardwood and softwood windows? Book an appointment with one of our design experts.