Hardwood vs Softwood Windows: What’s the Best Material?
Offering outstanding aesthetics, impressive thermal efficiency and sustainability, timber windows are one of the best options to improve any property. However, timber windows aren’t always the same, and they can often be broken down into softwood or hardwood. In this blog, we have broken down the differences between the two types of timber and the benefits of each one.
Isn’t it in the name? Isn’t hardwood stronger than softwood?
The names hardwood and softwood don’t necessarily tell the whole story when it comes to the durability and performance of certain timber options. For example, you can get hardwood which is quite brittle and soft, and you can also get softwoods which are highly durable and strong. So, it’s not as simple as one is stronger than the other. The main difference between the two and why they’re named how they are is where they come from.
What are hardwood windows?
Hardwood windows are made from deciduous trees, which are trees that lose their leaves annually. Hardwood trees are generally slower growing and therefore have a denser wood grain. Common hardwoods used in windows include oak, mahogany, and teak.
At Nine Zero, the hardwood we use is Red Grandis, which is a much more cost-effective hardwood option compared to traditional hardwoods.
What is Red Grandis?
Red Grandis is a versatile hardwood, which is highly durable and resistant to rot and mould, making it less likely to decay over time. It’s also effective at absorbing stains and finishes, which allows to create a smooth finish on all our hardwood windows and doors.
What are softwood windows?
Softwood windows are made from trees that are coniferous, meaning they keep their leaves all year round. Softwood trees grow faster than hardwood trees and therefore have a less dense wood grain. However, less dense doesn’t mean less effective, and softwood windows have several benefits.
One advantage of softwood windows is that they are easier to work with compared to hardwood windows. Softwood can also be engineered to increase strength and durability. This is when several cuts of timber are combined and laminated together. This results in a longer-lasting product at the same cost as softwood which hasn’t been engineered. One example of this, is Redwood. We offer our windows and doors in engineered redwood.
What is engineered redwood?
Engineered redwood is a type of softwood, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. It is created by laminating cuts of timber into an alternating laminated pattern, which increases its stability, meaning there’s less risk of decay, rotting and warping. This makes it a brilliant option for windows and doors.
Where is your timber sourced from?
Whether it’s Red Grandis or Redwood, all our timber comes from FSC-certified sources, meaning it is sustainably managed and sourced.
Hardwood vs softwood windows
When it comes to choosing the right material for your windows, there is no clear winner between hardwood and softwood. Many people wrongly assume that softwood isn’t as good, but the fact that it can be engineered means it can reach performance levels which are very close to hardwood.
The choice between hardwood and softwood windows ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Both materials have their benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to consider these factors before deciding.
Nine Zero – sustainable timber window suppliers
Whether you choose hardwood or softwood, make sure to choose a reputable wooden window manufacturer that sources their wood from sustainable sources.
Find out more about our incredible range of timber window options at https://www.nine-zero.co.uk/.