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.
Hardwood and softwood does not denote the actual hard or softness of a type of wood but rather its classification according to growth type and what it looks like microscopically. Mahogany, Cherry, Teak and Oak are common types of hardwood and take up to 15 years to reach maturity, meaning they are not easily renewable. They are flowering trees with broad leaves.
Softwoods are the evergreen trees that grow quickly, such as Conifer-cedars, Cyprus or Pine. The hardness and softness varies between both categories. The difference has more to do with the microscopic structure and durability.
Damp places to better to use hard wood outside while soft wood will be better used inside. Hardwood has large pores which need an application of real linseed oil to give a satisfactory finish. Softwood with its smoother grain is constructed with smaller pores. Paint works well on them and they are easier to create difficult designs in.
In the 1800's, softwood was used for most sash windows. The trick to keeping them in good condition was to paint them regularly. Only since the 1950's has alkyd resin paint replaced the original linseed oil base paints and this is why softwood is no longer good for outside use. Linseed oil allows for moisture to permeate allowing the wood underneath to dry out after rain.
It is definitely true that any wood that gets constantly wet and is not well treated will rot. Both hard and softwoods must be treated for pests frequently. Also polish, paint and dust with the grain - time-consuming but means they will last longer.
Hardwoods are better for exteriors as doors, windows, decks but also for load-bearing ceilings, beams and for interior flooring or furniture. Softwoods are best used indoors for floors, furniture, paneling, false ceilings and rafters.
If you are concerned with the environment rather than using hardwood, consider rubber wood and bamboo which, if treated, are as durable as a real hardwood. Both have shorter growth periods usually between three to five years. Certainly for sash windows, either wood can be used as it depends more on whether they will be painted or oiled and on the complexity of the design. Now you know the answer to hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why.
Hardwood and softwood does not denote the actual hard or softness of a type of wood but rather its classification according to growth type and what it looks like microscopically. Mahogany, Cherry, Teak and Oak are common types of hardwood and take up to 15 years to reach maturity, meaning they are not easily renewable. They are flowering trees with broad leaves.
Softwoods are the evergreen trees that grow quickly, such as Conifer-cedars, Cyprus or Pine. The hardness and softness varies between both categories. The difference has more to do with the microscopic structure and durability.
Damp places to better to use hard wood outside while soft wood will be better used inside. Hardwood has large pores which need an application of real linseed oil to give a satisfactory finish. Softwood with its smoother grain is constructed with smaller pores. Paint works well on them and they are easier to create difficult designs in.
In the 1800's, softwood was used for most sash windows. The trick to keeping them in good condition was to paint them regularly. Only since the 1950's has alkyd resin paint replaced the original linseed oil base paints and this is why softwood is no longer good for outside use. Linseed oil allows for moisture to permeate allowing the wood underneath to dry out after rain.
It is definitely true that any wood that gets constantly wet and is not well treated will rot. Both hard and softwoods must be treated for pests frequently. Also polish, paint and dust with the grain - time-consuming but means they will last longer.
Hardwoods are better for exteriors as doors, windows, decks but also for load-bearing ceilings, beams and for interior flooring or furniture. Softwoods are best used indoors for floors, furniture, paneling, false ceilings and rafters.
If you are concerned with the environment rather than using hardwood, consider rubber wood and bamboo which, if treated, are as durable as a real hardwood. Both have shorter growth periods usually between three to five years. Certainly for sash windows, either wood can be used as it depends more on whether they will be painted or oiled and on the complexity of the design. Now you know the answer to hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why.
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All you need to know about hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why now in our complete sash window refurbishment by the best sash window renovation London companies in our complete Sash guide.
