Monday, April 2, 2012

Latest Hard Wood Windows Or Soft Wood Windows Which Will Last Longer And Why They Differ

By Peter Colwell


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 rule, those frames made out of softwood are going to be quicker to show the signs of wear and tear than styles made from harder woods, this is because of the different internal structures. All hardwoods have internal vessels that were used for water movement whereas softwood varieties instead feature tracheids. You can see this for yourself by examining the profile of the different types of wood, hardwood has visible pores that are not present on softer woods.

Whichever type of wood you go for it is vital that it is given the correct treatment to ensure longevity. Spending out more money on hardwood window frames would be pointless if they are not given a protective sealant to guard against extreme weather.

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.

No matter which option you end up choosing you can be sure that it will give an elegant and natural appearance to your home. The right choice of window frames can even increase the property's desirability and market value.




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