Hard Wood Windows Or Soft Wood Windows: Which Lasts Longer And Why?

By Andrew Brentford


If you want to know hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why it may not seem like a difficult question to be answered, since you would expect hard wood to be more durable than soft wood. In fact, you will find that in some instances hard is softer than soft and in others soft is harder than hard. While you are puzzling about this, you should realize that there are more features and characteristics that will affect your choice than just the name of the wood type.

Hardwoods that are popularly known are ash, oak, walnut and mahogany. Softwoods are more often used in building. These woods are cedar, pine, fir and spruce. The distinction between hardwood and softwood is in the type of leaves or needles. Evergreens are usually softwood and have needles. The hardwoods drop their leaves each fall.

Hardwoods and softwoods are different even at the cellular level. Softwoods only have two types of cells, called longitudinal and transverse. The hardwood microscopic structure is more complex. The water is transported by means of special cells that bring moisture and nutrients to the branches and leaves.

Using the label "hard" or "soft" is not the way you you should distinguish expected longevity of your wooden windows. You may want to consider softwoods such as pine for your windows. You will find many examples in building centers and stores.

Because softwoods tend to grow faster, you will often find that the prices of windows made from soft wood lumber is not only more common, but costs less. If you are on a tight budget, a few months or even a few years in the life of the window may not be critical to you. The care of the window once it is installed will factor into the life expectancy of a window, as well.

Some woods have a more significant status quotient too. The appearance of the wood itself will make a difference to some people. The weather or the climate in your area can make a difference in the longevity. Mahogany and teak are used in very challenging environmental conditions.

When looking at hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why, you should consider the price per year of use. It may not be significant enough to warrant going with the higher priced windows. Of course, if you can find renovated windows of hardwood, you may have the opportunity to have status symbol windows at a bargain price.




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