12 Main Pros and Cons of Wooden Windows | Cost of Wooden Windows | Wooden Windows Vs Vinyl
Pros and Cons of Wooden Windows | Cost of Wooden Windows | Wooden Windows Vs Vinyl
What Is a Wooden Window?
Wooden windows are made of solid wood or an engineered material that is composed mostly of wood.
Wood is a popular choice for window frames since many homeowners prefer the classic design. If you follow up on upkeep, the average wooden window will last 15-35 years.
That upkeep, however, may be time-consuming, and if you get behind, your windows may distort and need to be replaced sooner.
The use of wooden windows has been around for about four thousand years. The use of wooden windows is seen in ancient cultures, such as Ancient Greece.
The use of wood windows in ancient Greece is said to be the origin of the word “window”. Wooden windows are becoming more popular in the U.K. due to the cold weather, their relatively lower cost, and the renewable nature of the material.
All of these reasons make wooden windows a popular choice for many homeowners. Others, however, are less favorable towards these types of windows.
The installation of wooden windows does not come cheap, when comparing it to standard windows.
Wooden windows are one of the many beautiful options available for garden windows. A wooden garden window is a good option if you are looking to pay homage to the beauty of old-world craftsmanship.
A wooden garden window may come with the benefit of being sturdier than its vinyl counterparts, which can sometimes be heavy or cumbersome.
However, vinyl windows may be more energy efficient and provide a more contemporary, clean aesthetic.
If you are not content with these garden window options, you could also go with steel windows, which are even more durable and will not hold moisture, which can cause rot. Ultimately, it is up to you which type of window material you want to use.
Pros And Cons of Wooden Windows
Pros of Wooden Windows
1. Long lasting:
Due to the material wood is made of, wooden windows can last longer than other materials such as aluminum and steel.
2. Energy efficient:
The materials used to make wooden windows are thermally efficient; they can help retain heat and avoid transferring cold, keeping your house warmer and preventing heat loss.
3. Non-toxic:
Wooden windows are non-toxic and inert, unlike vinyl or aluminum which can outgas chemicals such as phthalates and formaldehyde.
4. Many colours and styles:
Wooden windows come in a wide range of colours and styles so you can customize your look to match your home environment.
They also come in a variety of types, such as casement, double hung, and sliding.
5. Easy maintenance:
Wooden windows can be washed easily with a spray cleaner or a damp cloth and taken care of without having to rely on someone else.
They also need little or no maintenance otherwise they often fail to operate efficiently which can cause them to stop operating correctly.
6. Weather resistant:
Wooden windows can be made to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds and rain. They are also relatively transparent with an increased amount of light reaching through them.
7. Sustainable:
As natural materials, wooden windows encourage a sustainable construction, as they do with a house made of bricks and stone.
Also, the manufacturing process is cheaper due to use of non-toxic materials and less energy is used in the manufacturing process as opposed to other types of windows.
8. Wood is beautiful:
Because of their natural appearance, wood can be used to create beautiful interior design schemes.
9. Wood windows add value to your home:
Wooden windows will help to increase the value of your home.
Cons of Wooden Windows
1. Expensive:
Wooden windows are expensive than other types of windows. A window installation requires the same process as for an aluminum window, which is more expensive than construction of a wooden window frame.
2. Require more maintenance than other materials:
Wooden windows need to be regularly sealed and painted, at least must be refinished or painted every 5-8 years
3. Vulnerable to rot and insects:
Wooden windows are vulnerable to rot and termite infestation, which can cause the frames to decay. These wooden frames are not as safe as other types of materials.
Wood Window FAQs
What is a wood window?
A wood window is a window made from natural materials such as solid woods or plywood. Wood windows are also called natural windows or solid wood windows.
What are the pros and cons of wood windows?
Pros: Wood is a natural product. Wood will be more energy-efficient than vinyl or aluminum because it stores heat during the day and releases it at night.
Maintenance of wood is easy with just soap and water but needs to be sealed after 6-12months.
Cons: It requires professional installation, meaning that it may not be for DIYers on a budget. Wood windows will need to be painted every 10-15 years.
Wood is a porous material and will require more maintenance than most people would like. It is more expensive than vinyl and aluminum windows.
Are wooden windows more expensive than PVC?
Yes, generally speaking. But you will get more bang for your buck with wooden windows.
Wooden windows are usually more expensive than vinyl and aluminum; however, they tend to last longer, and offer more benefits such as sound insulation and energy efficiency.
This makes wood windows a better investment in the long run.
Are wood windows better than vinyl?
There are pros and cons to each material. Vinyl windows are more energy-efficient than wood, but the quality may disappoint many people.
Wood windows are very durable if properly maintained.
The biggest advantage of vinyl is that it is cheaper than wood, but the quality may not be what you expect.
The average cost of wood windows is around $900, while vinyl windows are around $500. The most expensive wood windows are superior-quality wooden windows.
Are wood windows better than aluminum?
Aluminum is a much better alternative to wood, as it is more durable and maintenance-free. Aluminum also requires less maintenance but has a shorter lifespan compared with wood.
Aluminum is a better product, but it is much more expensive than vinyl and wood.
Which is more energy-efficient, aluminum or wood windows?
Wood windows are significantly more energy-efficient than metal windows. Aluminum is a conductor, which means that heat quickly passes through the material.
Because wood is a poor conductor of heat, it is less likely to pass through the material.
Why are wood windows expensive?
Wooden windows are expensive because of the materials involved. Solid wood needs to be milled down into very thin slats to be used for window frames.
Some people may opt for a composite window, which involves a wooden frame and a vinyl or aluminum insert.
The composite will be less expensive than a solid wood window, but it will still be more expensive than vinyl windows.
Are Aluminium windows more expensive than wood?
While the ultimate cost of any window replacement job is highly dependent on the number of windows replaced and the design chosen, aluminum is far less expensive than wood.
What is the aluminum windows pros and cons
Pros: Aluminum will last longer than wood, if properly maintained. Aluminum has low-maintenance costs.
Cons: Aluminum is not the most energy-efficient material for windows, due to its thermal properties. Aluminum is not easily recycled.
How much do wood windows cost on average?
The typical cost of a wooden replacement window, including installation, is about $700. The cost of installation will vary based on the window brand, window design (casement, double hung, etc.), and normal area labor rates – which are usually approximately $40 per hour.
What are the different types of wood?
There are many types of wood, depending on what you want or need for your window frames.
What kind of wood is used in window frames?
Hardwoods are attractive because of their visual appeal – consider the beautiful graining of Mahogany and Walnut furniture.
Softwoods develop quickly and are the more sustainable of the two sources. Because they are less expensive and more frequently accessible, cedar, fir, and pine are among the most commonly utilized softwoods in building.
How long do wood windows last?
Wooden windows can last a very long time, as long as they are taken care of. If the right sealants and paints are used, they can last for at least 30 years.
Some may even last up to 80 years, depending on the climate conditions in your area.
