Finding the best design of windows and frames for a home can be a tricky task as there are now so many options. If choosing a style that enhances the building's character is a priority for you it is worthwhile considering the option of wooden window frames. Whether your property is a new build or old, wooden frames would look great. Prior to spending your money on any design it is worth taking a moment to understand the answer to this question - hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why?
You are likely to already understand that there is a selection of hardwood and softwood species that can be used to create window frames. Softwood includes trees such as cedar, spruce, yew, hemlock, and pine whereas hardwood would include cherry, mahogany, oak, beech, as well as maple. Before you make a choice you will need to consider the durability and longevity, these are more important factors in the long term than the initial cost.
As a general rule, softwood is a lot more vulnerable to wear and tear than hardwood window frames, this is down to its structure. Hardwood has internal vessels that would have been used in the process of transporting water whereas softwood does not, it only has tracheids. This fact is visible to the naked eye in the form of pores in hardwood which are not present in softwood.
Of course the treatment that is given to the wood will also have a major bearing on how long the product lasts. It would be no use choosing hardwood if it is not coated with the right sealant to protect against the extremes of the climate.
Another issue worth considering is that a hard wood design would be less prone to physical damage in the form of scratches and knocks, while for softwood the opposite would be true. Less effort would be involved in preserving a hard wood window frame.
It must be noted that hard wood windows are more difficult to work with due to their inherent toughness. It is for this reason that they are most often sold in simple designs and styles. It is not impossible to integrate a complex design though it would require a greater amount of experience and skill.
Whether you go for hardwood or softwood you can have peace of mind that your new frames will give off an elegant appearance. By opting for wooden frames you can even raise the market value of your property.
You are likely to already understand that there is a selection of hardwood and softwood species that can be used to create window frames. Softwood includes trees such as cedar, spruce, yew, hemlock, and pine whereas hardwood would include cherry, mahogany, oak, beech, as well as maple. Before you make a choice you will need to consider the durability and longevity, these are more important factors in the long term than the initial cost.
As a general rule, softwood is a lot more vulnerable to wear and tear than hardwood window frames, this is down to its structure. Hardwood has internal vessels that would have been used in the process of transporting water whereas softwood does not, it only has tracheids. This fact is visible to the naked eye in the form of pores in hardwood which are not present in softwood.
Of course the treatment that is given to the wood will also have a major bearing on how long the product lasts. It would be no use choosing hardwood if it is not coated with the right sealant to protect against the extremes of the climate.
Another issue worth considering is that a hard wood design would be less prone to physical damage in the form of scratches and knocks, while for softwood the opposite would be true. Less effort would be involved in preserving a hard wood window frame.
It must be noted that hard wood windows are more difficult to work with due to their inherent toughness. It is for this reason that they are most often sold in simple designs and styles. It is not impossible to integrate a complex design though it would require a greater amount of experience and skill.
Whether you go for hardwood or softwood you can have peace of mind that your new frames will give off an elegant appearance. By opting for wooden frames you can even raise the market value of your property.
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