Choosing the right timber for your sash windows is crucial if you want them to last for decades while retaining their beauty and performance. The most common question homeowners ask is: hardwood or softwood? Each has its strengths, and the choice depends on your priorities – durability, cost, sustainability, and appearance.
This article breaks down the key differences between hardwood and softwood and helps you decide which material is best for your sash windows.
1. What Is Hardwood?
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like oak, sapele, or accoya. These trees grow slower and produce denser, more durable timber. As a result, hardwood is:
- Naturally resistant to decay,
- Less prone to warping and movement,
- More expensive than softwood.
It’s a popular choice for external joinery where weather exposure is high. Hardwood sash windows are known for their longevity and refined appearance.
2. What Is Softwood?
Softwood is sourced from coniferous trees such as pine or redwood. It grows faster and is easier to work with. While it’s less dense, modern treatments make high-quality softwood surprisingly durable.
Properly treated softwood:
- Can last over 50 years,
- Is more affordable than hardwood,
- Offers excellent insulation.
Engineered softwood is especially popular in the UK as it combines stability with sustainability.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Hardwood requires less maintenance over time, as it’s more resistant to moisture and pests. That said, well-constructed softwood frames can perform just as well with regular upkeep.
Both hardwood and softwood should be painted or finished with breathable microporous coatings to maximise lifespan.
4. Sustainability and Eco Impact
Softwood is considered more sustainable due to its rapid growth rate and lower environmental footprint. Most softwood used in sash windows is FSC-certified and responsibly sourced.
Some hardwoods, like Accoya, are modified for stability and eco-friendliness – offering an ideal balance between performance and sustainability.
5. Appearance and Style
Hardwood often has a richer, tighter grain, giving it a more luxurious look when stained or left natural. Softwood is typically painted, though some modern finishes can highlight its grain beautifully.
Choose hardwood if:
- You want a natural or stained finish,
- You prefer maximum longevity with minimal upkeep.
Choose softwood if:
- You’re painting the windows,
- You want a more budget-friendly option with good performance.
Final Thoughts
Both hardwood and softwood can deliver long-lasting, beautiful sash windows. The key is choosing high-quality timber and working with a skilled joiner who understands how to build, finish and install properly.
At PM Windows, we offer both hardwood and engineered softwood sash windows – tailored to your preferences, your home, and your budget.
