Written by Paul Davies
When it comes to preserving the character of period properties, few features are as significant as wooden sash windows. These classic windows, dating back to the Georgian era, remain a defining characteristic of many British homes.
But what is the best timber for sash windows? This question is crucial when considering replacement windows, as your timber choice affects durability, thermal performance, and aesthetics. With many hardwood and softwood options available including Oak, Sapele and Idigbo, it can be difficult to know which timber is the best for your project.
As experts in bespoke design, at the Little Conservatory Company we work closely with our clients to find the perfect new windows and doors for their property, right down to the type of wood. This guide explores the various timber options and why wood remains superior for authentic sash windows.
What is the best timber for sash windows?
There isn’t a single “best” timber for all situations. The ideal type of timber depends on your property, budget, and maintenance preferences. For maximum durability and minimal maintenance, Accoya is exceptional. For historical authenticity, European Redwood is a traditional choice, while European Oak offers outstanding longevity for premium projects.
The Little Conservatory Company can advise on the best timber for your specific circumstances, and below we’ll explore the key features of some of the most common wood species that are used for timber sash windows.
What’s the difference between softwood and hardwood for sash windows?
The terms softwood and hardwood refer to the botanical classification rather than actual hardness. Softwoods (like pine) generally grow faster, are more affordable, and traditionally require more maintenance. Hardwoods (like oak) tend to be more durable, stable, and often feature more distinctive grain patterns, but are typically more expensive as they take longer to grow.
Both softwoods and hardwoods can make excellent windows when properly selected and manufactured.
Softwood Options
European Redwood
Also known as Scots Pine, European Redwood has been the traditional choice for centuries. It offers relatively low cost, and a straight grain pattern that holds paint well. It possesses moderate natural resistance to decay but requires regular maintenance for longevity. European Redwood remains popular for conservation areas where historical accuracy is essential.
Accoya
Accoya is a modified timber created through a non-toxic acetylation process that transforms sustainably grown pine. Exceptionally stable and resistant to rot and decay, it maintains its shape in all weather conditions. Accoya offers outstanding durability with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for sash windows while retaining the natural beauty of wood.
Hardwood Options
Oak
European Oak is a premium hardwood prized for its exceptional strength and distinctive grain pattern. Naturally durable and resistant to decay, oak has been the traditional choice for fine joinery for centuries. Its outstanding longevity makes it ideal for sash windows, where its timeless beauty and structural stability can last for generations with proper care.
Sapele
This tropical hardwood displays a rich, reddish-brown colour with excellent durability and stability. It offers good moisture resistance and features straight grain, making it well-suited for sash windows.
Meranti
Another tropical hardwood, Meranti provides moderate durability exceeding most softwoods while maintaining good stability through seasonal changes. It represents a cost-effective alternative to premium hardwoods while still delivering solid performance and energy efficiency.
Mahogany
Although less common today due to sustainability concerns, genuine mahogany offers exceptional durability, a beautiful rich colour, and historical authenticity making it a popular choice for period properties. It performs well for decades with minimal maintenance when properly finished.
What makes our timber sash windows truly bespoke
Our range includes a range of wooden sash windows such as traditional box sash windows with weights and pulleys and modern sash windows with spring balances, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Whether restoring Victorian, Edwardian, or Georgian sash windows, we create historically accurate reproductions that maintain period aesthetics while incorporating modern features like high quality double glazing for improved thermal efficiency.
Every window we produce is completely bespoke, made-to-measure for your property, ensuring perfect fit regardless of whether you have standard openings or irregular dimensions found in older buildings.
Our consultative process helps you select the right timber based on your property’s exposure, conservation requirements, and maintenance preferences.
Each style can be customised with different glazing bar configurations, from Georgian multi-paned designs to simpler Victorian layouts, ensuring harmony with the architectural character of period homes. The finishing options include traditional or contemporary ironmongery and a wide range of paint colours or natural finishes, ensuring your windows perfectly complement your property’s character.
Why choose timber over uPVC or aluminium?
Timber offers distinct advantages that alternatives cannot match. No manufactured material replicates the depth, warmth, and character of real wood, which is particularly important for period properties.
In conservation areas and listed buildings, timber is often the only acceptable material for sash windows due to planning regulations designed to preserve historical character.
Wood is naturally an excellent insulator, creating a barrier against temperature transfer and potentially reducing heating costs. Quality timber sash windows can last for generations with proper maintenance—far longer than modern alternatives. Unlike uPVC, timber windows can be repaired rather than replaced when damaged, making them more cost-effective long-term.
Additionally, responsibly sourced timber has the lowest environmental impact of any window material, storing carbon rather than generating emissions during production.
Selecting the best timber for your sash windows
When determining what is the best timber for sash windows for your situation, consider these factors:
- Your property type matters significantly. Listed buildings or homes in conservation areas may have specific requirements regarding materials and designs.
- Exposure conditions affect durability requirements. Coastal locations or south-facing elevations may need more durable timber window frames to withstand increased weathering.
- Your maintenance preferences should influence the types of wood you consider, as some species require more frequent attention than others. Modified timbers like Accoya significantly reduce maintenance needs.
- Budget considerations inevitably factor into the decision-making process, though all timber windows represent an investment. There are options at different price points that maintain essential quality.
- For environmentally conscious homeowners, certified sustainable timber or modified types of timber like Accoya offer excellent credentials with minimal impact on global forests.
The perfect timber sash windows for your property: contact The Little Conservatory Company today
Choosing the right timber for sash windows significantly impacts appearance, performance, and longevity. With decades of experience crafting bespoke timber windows across the UK, The Little Conservatory Company is ideally positioned to help you make the perfect choice.
Our specialists would be delighted to discuss your requirements, explain the benefits of different timber options, and provide a no-obligation quotation tailored to your project.
To begin your journey towards beautiful, high-quality timber sash windows, please complete our online contact form, call us directly on 01242 681207, or email us at info@littlecc.com.
