Hardwood windows - better than softwood?

dllive

Hi all,
Im putting in new windows throughout the house. Hardwood is obviously a fare bit pricier than softwood. Im planning on being in the house for atleast 10 years. Is it worth getting them in hardwood?
Thanks

usefulmale

Either would suit but both will need to be painted or stained regularly to keep them at their best.

Incidentally, 'hardwood' does not always mean the wood is hard and strong. Cork is a hardwood and so is balsa wood.

Western Red Cedar is a softwood but is used widely outside for things like posts, decking and cladding because it is naturally durable and can last for 20-25 years.

Aubrey_Thicket

proper made Hardwood windows should last in excess of 15 - 20 years AS LONG AS THEY ARE MAINTAINED. I can't stress this enough. YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN THEM. More than likely the hardwood would be Meranti or Sapele, although before anyone shouts me down there are a few other good hardwoods to choose. Oh, did I mention that YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN THE WINDOWS? :-0

Richard_Overton_2911

Softwood windows can be Redwood pines (not durable or stable unless pressure treated) but cheap to buy. Accoya (Radiata pine which has its cell structure changed by a process of Acetylation) it makes the timber very durable (50+yrs) but is very expensive and almost on a par with Oak.Only other pine worth considering is Douglas Fir which is pretty good and more durable than Redwoodpine..

Decent hardwoods for windows include : European Oak (excellent but expensive) , African Iroko (also known as "Poor man's Teak" ) durable but can twisk/warp etc..African Sapele (member of the Mahogany family) bit cheaper ,moderately durable...... Idigbo Cheaper still and fairly durable. Meranti costs about the same as Sapele but is very soft,damages easily and not as durable ...

If you intend to stay in the property for a fair few years then pay the extra for a decent harwood , if you only intend on staying a few years then Softwood (Redwood pine) will be ok but I would sell within 10-12 yrs as you will begin to see signs of rot, unless its pressure treated...

As Aubrey says , timber windows need maintaining every 5yrs or so............

G_M

As you plan to stay, then it's well worth paying extra for quality wood that will last.

Yes, whether hard or soft wood, it will need maintenance, but a soft wood wll deteriorte far faster if exposed. So any cracking in the paint in the summer that is left for a winter will mean water gets in and the wood will rot. Come the spring, a hard wood will just need re-painting again whereas the soft wood could need wood-filler first and from there it's a downhill slope......