- Timber windows are a higher upfront investment, but they can outlast aluminium and uPVC when properly maintained.
- Well cared for timber frames can last 60 years or more, compared with around 45 years for aluminium and 20 to 30 years for uPVC.
- Timber is naturally insulating, renewable and available in a far wider colour and finish range than standard uPVC.
- Maintenance is straightforward: clean the frames and tracks once or twice a year, lubricate hinges, keep drainage clear and re-coat regularly.
- Composite timber and aluminium frames offer the timber look inside with a weather resistant aluminium skin outside.
If you’re looking to replace the windows in your home, one of the key things to consider is what material the frame should be made of. These days there are plenty of options available, including uPVC, aluminium and even steel. But one of the oldest window frame materials, and still considered by many to be the best, is good old fashioned timber.
While timber windows are a significant investment, they are among the most cost effective in the long run as they last longer and are less susceptible to wear and tear. So with the proper care, they won’t need replacing as often, if at all.
Add to that their natural thermal insulation and sustainability, not to mention aesthetic appeal, and it’s no surprise that timber windows remain a popular choice for home and business owners across Australia.
What Are the Advantages of Timber Windows?
Let’s look in more detail at the many advantages of timber windows.
- Insulation: Australia has a variable climate, so it’s important to have windows that insulate effectively when the summers get hot and the winters get cold. Timber is a poor conductor of heat by nature, which means the frame itself is doing part of the insulating work. With timber windows you can protect your home from the elements and stay comfortable, no matter the weather.
- Sustainability: One of the best things about timber windows is their sustainability. Timber is a renewable material and its production is far more eco friendly than the alternatives. If you want an energy efficient and genuinely green space, timber windows are an ideal choice.
- Longevity: Sure, timber windows need a little more care than other, cheaper materials. But in return they’ll last for many years to come. Protect them against fungus and other pests with a good quality coating and keep your timber windows looking smart.
- Aesthetic appeal: Timber windows are timelessly elegant and may even add value to your home. No matter what look you’re aiming for, traditional or contemporary, timber makes a great addition. It also takes a wide range of colours and stains, whereas standard uPVC tends to be offered in a narrower palette.
- Repairability: A damaged section of timber can often be filled, sanded and recoated rather than replaced, which is not always the case with extruded frames.
What Is a Timber Window, Exactly?
A timber window is a window whose frame and sashes are made from solid or laminated wood, usually a stable softwood such as pine or a hardwood such as meranti or oak, then finished with a protective paint or stain system. Modern timber windows are almost always double glazed, so the traditional appearance sits alongside contemporary thermal and acoustic performance.
Timber vs Aluminium vs uPVC: How They Compare
| Feature | Timber | Aluminium | uPVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 60 years and beyond with good care | Around 45 years | Around 20 to 30 years |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning and periodic re-coating | Low, mainly cleaning | Low, mainly cleaning |
| Natural insulation | High, timber does not conduct heat readily | Needs a thermal break to perform well | High |
| Appearance | Warm, natural grain, wide colour and stain range | Slim sightlines, broad powder coat range | Functional, can be bulkier in profile |
| Upfront cost | Highest of the three | Mid to high | Generally the most affordable |
If you like the warmth of wood inside but want a lower maintenance exterior, composite wood and aluminium windows combine a timber inner frame with an aluminium outer shell. For a straight comparison against a metal frame, our aluminium window systems are worth reviewing side by side.
How to Look After and Maintain Your Timber Windows
As mentioned above, timber windows need a little more maintenance than alternative materials. But with the proper care and attention they become an investment that could very well last a lifetime.
- Once or twice a year, use a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris from your window frames, including the tracks, seals and other hardware.
- Keep the window hinges and locking hardware well lubricated so they operate smoothly and don’t wear prematurely.
- Maintain effective drainage, particularly if you live near the coast, so water cannot build up and sit against the timber.
- Re-coat or repaint your timber windows regularly to keep them well protected against all weathers.
- Inspect the seals and any exposed end grain each year, and touch up small chips in the finish before moisture gets in.
Maintaining Timber in Harsh Weather
Frames on the western and northern elevations take the most UV and driving rain, so they will need attention sooner than the sheltered sides of the house. In coastal or high exposure locations, shorten the inspection interval to twice a year, rinse salt residue off with fresh water, and make sure weep holes stay clear. The Australian Government’s guidance on windows and frame materials is a useful reference point when weighing up materials for a demanding site.
How Long Do Timber Windows Last?
Provided you take good care of them, your timber windows could last for as long as 60 years and beyond. Compared to aluminium windows, which have a typical lifespan of 45 years, and uPVC windows, which may need replacing every 20 to 30 years, timber windows are among the longest lasting available on the market today.
With proper maintenance and care, timber windows will bring warmth, character and possibly even value to your home. They’re a significant investment, but one that could last a lifetime. Our wider timber windows and doors range shows the profiles, finishes and glazing options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do timber windows last compared to aluminium?
Well maintained timber windows can last 60 years or more, while aluminium windows typically last around 45 years. The difference depends heavily on upkeep: timber needs periodic re-coating to reach its full lifespan, whereas aluminium needs very little beyond cleaning.
How do I maintain timber window frames in harsh weather?
Clean the frames, tracks and seals twice a year, lubricate the hinges, keep drainage channels clear so water cannot pool, and re-coat the exterior finish on schedule. In coastal areas, rinse salt off the frames with fresh water and inspect the most exposed elevations more often.
Are timber windows more expensive than uPVC?
Yes, timber usually costs more upfront than uPVC. Over a long ownership period the gap narrows, because timber frames can outlast two sets of uPVC frames, but you should factor in ongoing maintenance costs when comparing the two.
Do timber windows suit modern homes?
They do. Timber takes paint and stain in almost any colour, so it works in contemporary schemes as readily as in period restorations. Composite frames with a timber interior and aluminium exterior are a popular way to get a modern exterior look with the warmth of wood inside.
If you have any questions about how to properly care for your timber windows, or you’re planning a renovation and considering adding timber windows to your property, just get in touch with us.
