Choose timber for your frame Timber has been used for building and decorating homes for many years, being a sustainable building material that is also environmentally friendly.
Timber is a natural insulator, not to mention, strong and can be easily repaired alongside being available in any size and shape and colour of your choice. Why timber window frames, why not plastic? Plastic, or PVC-u, windows became popular during the mid-1990's and early 2000's because of their perception of plastic being low maintenance and affordable, however, recently people are choosing wood because of general health and environmental issues. A recent report outlined the issues and benefits afforded by choosing timber windows and doors as long as they material is environmentally sourced: "The production and disposal of PVC-u windows leads to the release of highly poisonous chemicals which threaten health. PVC-u production involves no less than six of the fifteen most hazardous chemicals listed by European governments for priority elimination. "Timber is a sustainable resource. As long as the timber is sourced from properly managed forests and care is taken in the choice of preservatives, paints and stains, timber windows are by far the best environmental choice." Which timber? Timber is either available in hardwood or softwood; it is possible that some of the softwoods will actually be harder than the hardwoods and vice versa, however, hardwoods are generally better as they are more resistant to rot. Some of the popular choices of timber in hardwood are: - American White Oak - Ash - Black American Walnut - European Oak - Iroko - Maple - Sapele - Tulip The popular choices of softwoods are: