The aesthetic appeal of wooden windows and doors is back in favour. The use of high-quality timbers, combined with protective finishes provides an enviable style which has been shown to increase the desirability of a property.
With a little maintenance every year or two, wooden windows and doors can outlast uPVC alternatives by many years. As such, they offer a cost-effective option. What’s more, as we become increasingly aware of the build-up of plastic products, wooden windows and doors offer a viable alternative in a sustainable material.
Timber and Sustainability
Not all wood is sustainably sourced. Whilst much of Europe’s timber supplies come from responsibly managed forests where the stock is replenished, this isn’t standard practice across the world. The global demand for timber has resulted in a considerable number of tree species becoming endangered.
If you are looking to install wooden windows and doors, you can take a few steps to ensure that your purchase is not causing irreversible damage to the environment:
1. Existing wooden doors and window frames can often be repaired and restored. Before you invest in replacements, ask an experienced joiner to inspect the condition of the timber and let you know whether they can be given a second lease of life.
2. Consider buying reclaimed solid wood doors. They may also need a little work to bring back their former glory, but recycling reduces the demand for virgin timbers.
3. If you are commissioning wooden windows and doors, be sure to ask about where the timbers are sourced and which soft or hardwoods will be used. Only opt for trusted suppliers.
4. Follow the care advice provided by the manufacturer. With a little regular maintenance, your wooden windows and doors can offer long term performance. This gives you long term value and saves you the cost of repairs or replacement. It also helps to protect the environment.
Sustainable Sources
Hinson Custom Made sources all timbers from sustainable sources. Our supplies are approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
We love using a variety of timbers, but stick to those which aren’t endangered. The soft woods we work with are Redwood Pine and Larch. For hard woods, we opt for European Oak, Sapele, Iroko, Idigbo and Eucalyptus. We want to ensure that future generations can get as much pleasure from working with wood as we do.
Our engineered timber front doors are created from a combination of European Oak, Eucalyptus and Sapele. As engineered wood can be created with considerably less waste than a solid block of wood, this is the most sustainable option. It is also recommended as a strong, stable and resilient material.
If you have a specific wood in mind, we are happy to advise on its suitability for your project. If viable, we may be able to source the timber. We would avoid any endangered options, including Kapur, Seraya, Curjan and Mersawa wood.
If you have any questions about timbers or wooden windows and doors, please get in touch with Hinson Custom Made on 01908 516333.
