Hardwood Windows Or Soft Wood Windows: Which Type Lasts Longer And Why?

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By Robert William Burton


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.

Examples of hardwoods are oak, walnut, ash and mahogany. Softwood examples include Douglas fir, spruce, pine and cedar. Another type of hardwood that may surprise you is balsa wood. This is light wood and you would not choose windows of balsa wood. Yew wood is a softwood that forms a product more dense than many hardwoods.

These two categories of wood are different, even at the microscopic level. Softwoods are generally from conifers while hardwoods are found in deciduous trees. There are only two types of cellular structure in softwoods, the transverse and the longitudinal. The hardwoods have cells that transport water from the roots up to the leaves and branches.

The decision about whether to use hardwood or softwood in your windows can't be based on the name. There are more windows options found with softwood lumber rather than hardwoods, usually because building supply companies stock more of the lower cost windows than the high-end structures. You will also need to consider the finish on the wood.

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.

Understanding hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why will help you make budget and beauty decisions. Look at the life, care and appearance features of the windows you are considering. You may also want to check into used windows from a supplier of used building materials. This can provide a significant savings in cost.




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