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 may realise that there are a variety of softwoods and hardwoods that are now used to manufacture window frames. For example, softwood designs can be made from pine, yew, spruce, hemlock, and cedar whereas the hardwood options can be designed from maple, beech, oak, mahogany, or cherry. You should consider what option has the best durability and longevity as opposed to focusing too heavily on the 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 which should not be overlooked is that hard wood frames cannot be damaged as easily by scratches as knocks as compared to the soft wood options. It would require much less effort to preserve a hardwood frame.
It should be noted that that hardwood is a lot more difficult to cut and shape then softwood. It is because of this that most frames made out of the harder wood species have simple designs. It is possible for a carpenter to craft an intricate design into hard wood though it would require greater skill and experience.
Whichever option you decide upon you can be certain that it will offer a natural and elegant appearance. Choosing the right window frames for your home can even raise its market value and desirability.
You may realise that there are a variety of softwoods and hardwoods that are now used to manufacture window frames. For example, softwood designs can be made from pine, yew, spruce, hemlock, and cedar whereas the hardwood options can be designed from maple, beech, oak, mahogany, or cherry. You should consider what option has the best durability and longevity as opposed to focusing too heavily on the 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 which should not be overlooked is that hard wood frames cannot be damaged as easily by scratches as knocks as compared to the soft wood options. It would require much less effort to preserve a hardwood frame.
It should be noted that that hardwood is a lot more difficult to cut and shape then softwood. It is because of this that most frames made out of the harder wood species have simple designs. It is possible for a carpenter to craft an intricate design into hard wood though it would require greater skill and experience.
Whichever option you decide upon you can be certain that it will offer a natural and elegant appearance. Choosing the right window frames for your home can even raise its market value and desirability.
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