Hard Wood Windows Or Soft Wood Windows Which Will Last Longer And Why Is The Question Raised

By Damian Hounslow


Wood is linked to memories and has a timeless feel with a texture and smell that will make it valuable for generations but only if properly cared for. It is a renewable resource and expensive so know what you want first, and durability. The question is between hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why.

Firstly, hardwood and softwood are classifications based on speed of growth, microscopic structure and classification. The categories have little to do with whether the actual wood is hard or soft. Hardwood comes from broad-leaved flowering trees, like Mahogany, Oak, Teak and Cherry. They take up to 15 years to grow so are not a renewable resource with a quick turnaround.

Evergreen trees that grow in open spaces such as Cyprus, Pine and Conifer-cedars are softwood trees. The actual hard or softness is characteristic of both types. The difference lies in the time it takes to wear and the microscopic structure.

Very rainy countries are hard on softwood if used outdoors so hardwood is preferable here. Hardwood has bigger pores and needs a good oil like real linseed oil to give a excellent finish. The smaller pores of a softwood and its smooth grain will allow it to hold paint better and to conform to more complex shapes.

Many windows installed up to 150 years again have weathered well. This is dependent on how often they were painted. Since the early 1800's most wood was painted with paints that were permeable to moisture, made out of linseed oil. This allowed the wood to stay dry. Paints made since the 1950's have an alkyd resin base which does not allow wood to breathe.

Both types need pest control, every few years. Dusting and polishing or repainting needs to be done with the grain to increase durability which takes more time. Any wood that is exposed to constant moisture and not protected, will rot.

Working with exterior windows, decks and doors or interior flooring, furniture, load-bearing ceilings and beams all requires hardwood. Your softwoods are great for floors, furniture, rafters, false ceilings and paneling indoors.

Nowadays a concern for the environment is more probable than before so if you have a problem using slow growing hard woods, use bamboo or rubber wood which will last just as long as a real hard wood. It takes only three to five years to regrow a plantation of both sorts. When it comes to deciding whether hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why for sash windows, the question is really immaterial. You can use either sort of wood depending more on whether the finish will be paint or oil and how complex the design is.




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