The cost of wooden window frames

If you want to install new window frames, wooden ones could be the right choice for you – find out how much they cost here.

Wooden window frames look great
in any home

Choosing new window frames can be a tricky business, especially if you’re worried about balancing the right look with a modest budget. The rising popularity of uPVC windows might seem to suggest that it’s the cheapest and safest option to go for, but in fact there are numerous benefits to having your windows re-fitted with a wooden design of your choice:

• Between metal, uPVC and wood the latter has the least thermal conductivity, making it the best material to retain heat and prevent it from escaping outside; which means you won’t have to keep turning up the heating, saving you money on your energy bills.
• Compared to those other materials wood also releases less C0² emissions in the extraction and manufacture processes, so you are opting for an eco-friendly renewable energy source – which means you are doing your bit for the environment. Just make sure that the company you go for are affiliated with the UK’s Forest Stewardship Council (F.S.C).
• Wooden window frames also come in a variety of colours and designs that can be tailored to suit your personal tastes or fitted to complement the overall style and décor of your home. Wood can easily be carved, decorated and painted even after the frames have been installed.
• They are also able to accommodate double-glazing, enhancing your home’s security and preventing heat from escaping outdoors from the comfort of your chosen rooms.
• Despite claims to the contrary, wooden window frames can have a significantly long life-span, as long as they are treated properly; if you opt for Structural Timber Composites rather than pure wood, it’s good to know these are often compared in strength with that of steel or concrete – leaving you with little worry about how long your final fittings will last.
• Although the paint or colour of wood will gradually fade over time, most homeowners are reassured knowing that wooden window frames have genuine aesthetic appeal; the design is unique and provides a warming, authentic and cosy aura to your home.

So now you know the advantages of having wooden window frames installed but what about the cost? Fortunately there are a number of types of wood you can choose from that vary widely in price, making the material more readily available to a number of home owners. The style you choose may depend on taste, it may depend on budget but either way nearly all of these wooden variants have the benefits listed above. So you can opt for the cheapest design without feeling short changed. Here is a quick list to give you an idea of the cost and qualities of each type of wood available:

• Mahogany – mahogany wood is usually sourced from Brazil and the tropics; it is of a tight, close grain that prevents heat loss and varies in colour from a reddish-brown to warming greys, making for a cosy and exotic look in your home. Having an average three-bedroom home’s windows re-fitted with mahogany would usually cost between £3,000 and £7,000.
• Oak – although white oak can be sourced from the US, the UK option is generally considered superior; oak is famous for its durability, hardness and strength, although it has been known to corrode metal, so only zinc-coated fasteners should be used for openers. Oak can be found as anything between a deep gold to pale brown and offers a cool and natural look to your home that costs anywhere between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on the quality of the wood.
• Teak – teak is usually sourced from South-East Asia and thanks to a thin coating of natural oils is extremely durable and weatherproof. These oils also result in the wood emitting a faint but discernible aroma not unpleasant to those looking for an exotic, earthly feel to their home. The wood comes in a range of heavy reds and browns and can be quite expensive – refitting the average home costing anywhere between £10,000 and £16,000.
• Maple – traditionally associated with Canada, maple wood is strong and durable and resists water damage by a natural aversion to warping, as it is used to damp and mild climates – perfect for the UK then! It usually comes in a variety of light creams and whites, creating a cool and breezy aura about the home. It is, however, quite expensive to refit your windows with, ranging from £16,000 to £22,000 depending on the quality of wood and size of the property.

Although some of these prices may sound off-putting, it is important to remember that uPVC is quickly becoming outdated and wooden window frames will certainly add value to your property – making installation a worthwhile investment in the long run. Be sure to compare quotes and check your contractor’s references and portfolio, and you’ll soon have new, stylish wood framed windows to add a bit of luxury to your home.