Wooden Windows

echo82

Hi all,

We're currently looking to replace all of the windows in our house. Due to listed building / conservation area issues, the council are insisting on replacement with timber rather than uPVC (refusing even the 'timber-like' uPVC windows).

I've got no idea on what to expect in terms of cost or other issues with wood, previous houses have had uPVC.

It is a large job (one quote so far is in the high five figures from a largeish national specialist company), but we're struggling to find specialist people to quote. 

To give an example of cost, a 1.4m x 1.4m casement window (two openers) in hardwood with all fittings (double glazed with a quoted U value of 1) and painted to match the existing colours is coming in around £2500 inc VAT supplied and fitted. An equivalent hardwood door (with fittings and a small glazed window at the top) is coming in around £3000.

For uPVC, that would be a 'having a laugh' price, but I've no reference point to say that's about right or a bit over etc, and I'm struggling to find other people to quote as a comparison (location is Bucks / Northants area). Can anyone help suggest what I should expect?

Thanks

Mrs_F_2017

We’re currently doing this, albeit in two stages. Did three bedroom windows and one lounge window in late 2020. Now doing the kitchen, bathroom and French doors. 

In total, we’ll have paid just over £10,000 in today for 6 windows and 1 set of French doors.

We used a local Carpenter who used to work for a wooden window specialist. Very pleased with the result and just as warm as uPVC, just prettier! 

greenface2

Lookout for a decent local timber window supplier with a few years behind them and a good name for themselves . Or national supplier and local craftsman . I fit upvc windows and door and woudnt like to have a go at timber in bulk now . (too old) expect a large quote though 

Bendy_House

Echo, have a look at 'engineered timber' windows.

'Engineered' makes them stable, and I also understand they can be 'heat treated' or something, which makes them very resistant to rot.

Chickereeeee

I had the casements (fixed and openers) replaced with, using thin (krypton-filled) double glazing, by Ventrolla. Existing  frames were retained. Very please with the result. About £500 each large casement, afair.

echo82

Thanks all. Unfortunately, we've had them repaired already and the frames are going, so they need replacing, not just the glazing.

I hadn't come across engineered wood like that before, definitely interesting. I've found someone to quote who is a local joinery, and they have the option of Accoya, which looks like an engineered or treated softwood (and hopefully therefore cheaper!). Will keep digging,

Thanks

BUFF

Accoya won't be cheap.

FreeBear

BUFF said: Accoya won't be cheap.

Heard a few people recommending Accoya and saying good things about it. Price wasn't one of them though.

I wonder how oak would compare in terms of price. It will certainly last as long as Accoya, if not longer (I one remaining window with an oak sill that is still in very good condition after nearly 100 years of service).

Bendy_House

echo82 said:

Thanks all. Unfortunately, we've had them repaired already and the frames are going, so they need replacing, not just the glazing.

I hadn't come across engineered wood like that before, definitely interesting. I've found someone to quote who is a local joinery, and they have the option of Accoya, which looks like an engineered or treated softwood (and hopefully therefore cheaper!). Will keep digging,

Thanks

Engineered wood simply means it been laminated together from strips, so is more stable, less prone to warping and movement, fewer weak points like knots, that sort of stuff.

My bro had sash windows made a few years back, and hat's how I came across it.

At the same time I saw references to - I think - heat-treating of the timber, and this seemingly changed its cellular structure and made it far more resistant to rot. I'll have to refresh myself to the details!

This explains engineered wood: https://timberwindows-direct.co.uk/timber-windows/

phoebe1989seb

We had some Accoya DG casements made for our (non-listed) 400 year old property last year and I can confirm they weren't particularly cheap 😉 In fact, it was the most expensive option (ordered pre-pandemic and prices held to original quote) from our joiner here in Carmarthenshire.

Our reason for choosing Accoya was that we'd used it previously for the windows at our last-but-one house and were very impressed with it as a product, so felt it was worth the additional outlay.....

However, for the front elevation of our existing extension - which we're about to reconfigure - we've chosen oak from   a local sawmill which actually came in at a very reasonable price 😁