Engineered Timber
What is engineered timber?
Engineered timber is made from several flawless cuts of European Redwood. These cuts are then glued, compressed and laminated together in a pattern of alternating wood grains. In the past they would have to source pieces of timber appropriate to the size of the frame. Sourcing timber in that manner is much more wasteful, as the remaining smaller offcuts have no application.
How will engineered timber improve my windows?
Due to the process of combining several cuts together, a single structural piece can be made with no imperfections. Furthermore, the alternating grain pattern ensures that engineered timber is always pulling against itself. This reduces the warping and bowing associated with solid timber and results in a product that will last a lifetime. Since solid timber is the same price as engineered timber, you’re essentially paying the same price for a better product that will last longer and require less maintenance.
Environmental benefits
There’s no need to source an entirely flawless piece of wood, which is great since that’s actually a wasteful practice. Engineered timber is more sustainable and more environmentally friendly, as there is 25% less waste when compared with solid timber. Timber products are actually carbon-negative since they remove carbon from the atmosphere and can always be recycled. Even even when the unit has come to the end of it’s life it can be broken down and used again.
There’s a push among more environmentally minded developers to try to convince people to use timber in more of their construction work. A recent study, “Carbon, Fossil Fuel, and Biodiversity Mitigation with Wood and Forests,” stated that using wood as a building-material substitute could save “14 to 31 percent of global CO2 emissions and 12 to 19 percent of global FF [fossil fuel] consumption by using 34 to 100 percent of the world’s sustainable wood growth.” Sash windows London in particular are made from timber in order to conform to local building regulations.
In short, engineered timber is much more environmentally friendly than plastic windows and will last longer than solid timber while costing the same. It is the best product for windows, doors or impact materials such as flooring. If you would still prefer solid timber, we can provide it on request.
Oak – Hardwood
Oak is a traditional British grown hardwood, consistently used for hundreds of years in all types of construction – from ship hulls to building support columns. Although it’s known for its incredible strength and durability, using oak as your timber of choice for window frames is essentially an aesthetic decision. As we mentioned in the previous tab:
With regards to wooden windows and doors, the joinery is only required to support the weight of itself and the Double Glazed Unit. To this extent, the density of the wood is mostly irrelevant. The key factors when considering the durability of this type of wooden product are whether it will warp, how it will withstand the elements and whether it can withstand water / moisture.
European Redwood – Softwood
European Redwood is an extremely popular softwood to use for window frames – perfect for those who want timber windows but don’t want to spend more than they absolutely need to. Cheaper than hardwoods, it is easily sourced from sustainable forests (all our timber is FSC certified) within Europe. For the reasons we outlined above, Softwood windows tend to last just as long as Hardwood windows
Accoya® – Treated Softwood
Accoya® is a type of wood, but you won’t find it in the wild. It is modified timber in which various manufacturing processes enable it to resist rot and stay strong over the product’s lifetime.
Solid timber is burdened by imperfections, often leading to one of two possible results: either you will receive imperfect timber with knots and/or weak points, or the manufacturer will need to source large pieces of timber that are literally flawless throughout at a premium price.
Additionally, timber naturally expands and contracts, twisting in the direction of the grain. As solid timber has one consistent grain throughout the entire cut, the entire length will twist in the same direction which can lead to warping and bowing. Solid timber is therefore more prone to breakages, wear & tear and paint cracking. Engineered timber is 76.5% more stable than solid timber.
There is a common misconception that hardwood is a better material for windows and doors. The logic is that as hardwood is denser, it is sturdier, and therefore better than softwood.
However, with regards to wooden windows and doors, the joinery is only required to support the weight of itself and the Double Glazed Unit. To this extent, the density of the wood is mostly irrelevant. The key factors when considering the durability of this type of wooden product are whether it will warp, how it will withstand the elements and whether it can withstand water / moisture. All timber will rot in time if it’s untreated; our windows come with 5 coats of paint and are funcidice and preservative treated to stop that process.
In summary, our FSC Certified Engineered Timber is actually more resistant to warping than solid hardwood, and thanks to our multiple layers of Teknos micro-porous paints, they will resist the elements for a lifetime if properly maintained.