Hardwood or Softwood? The advantages of Sapele and Accoya Timbers
If you are considering wooden windows or doors for your home you might be wondering whether to opt for hardwood or softwood. Both types of wood have different properties and are therefore suited to different needs within the home. When you think about hardwood you may automatically believe this type of wood to be very hard, and softwood to be softer, but this isn’t always the case, so what should you choose?
What makes hardwood and softwood different?
It is the cellular structure of hardwood and softwood that differentiates the two wood types. Hardwoods have four different cell types, which is what makes them durable and strong as well as giving that aesthetically pleasing wood grain appearance, which is a popular choice when the wood will be exposed. Softwoods, on the other hand, only contain two cell types, which makes them easier to work and gives them great heat retention properties.
Examples of hardwood and softwood
There are many different types of hard and soft wood that can be used in the manufacture of wooden windows and doors, but the following are popular choices:
Sapele – this hardwood is popular across Europe for handcrafted window and door frames. When compared to other hardwoods it is more durable than mahogany and harder than red oak, which explains why it is often the timber of choice. You’ll be able to spot sapele from its reddish brown appearance and stunning natural grains, which can be enhanced with a transparent coating. Sapele is sustainable, moderately durable and low maintenance, with frames lasting over ten years. It is also a good choice for use in heritage properties and those in conservation areas.
Accoya – this popular choice of softwood is often used in window frames because of its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements. Accoya is a modified wood product that has gone through a process called acetylation. This changes the cellular structure of the wood, making it more durable and preventing it from bonding with water. The result is a sturdy timber that is ideal for wooden window and door frames and won’t distort in hot, cold or wet weather conditions. If you want a coating on your wooden frames, Accoya is a great choice, as factory applied coatings last much longer on this type of wood.
Sapele or Accoya Timber?
Softwoods such as Accoya tend to be cheaper than their hard wood counterparts like Sapele, so if budget is a big factor when choosing your wooden windows and doors, it may be better to opt for softwood.
Once you have taken into account the appearance, durability, suitability and cost of the different hardwood and softwood options, you can make the decision as to the best wood type for your window and door frames. If you are still struggling to decide what will look best on your home or best suit your needs, why not talk to your local timber window specialist?
The Rural Timber Window Company Ltd are a Worcestershire-based manufacturer of timber framed windows, doors and conservatories and can advise you on the best choice of hardwood or softwood windows and doors for your home. For more information please visit their website ruraltimberwindow.co.uk.