The difference between oak and softwoods such as pine lies in their structure. Oak contains 4 different types of cellular structures that give the material durability, strength, and beautiful grains. Although oak can be more expensive than most other types of timber, it is more sustainable and has better thermal properties.

Oak has always been the most traditional material of choice for sash windows as it has been used for hundreds of years. This hardwood is not only durable, but it also lasts a lifetime if maintained properly. Oak timber windows are aesthetically appealing thanks to their subtle grain. This material is by far the most preferred choice for homeowners who have older homes. Some of the main benefits of oak for sash windows include the long lasting and wood grain effects that make this material the traditional choice for windows.
There is no denying the fact that timber frames are eye catching and look attractive on an older property. You can select from a large variety of woods such as maple, mahogany, or oak. These materials can be stained, carved, or painted according to your personal taste and the look of your house.

Wooden windows are more environmentally friendly than PVC windows as they reduce the Co2 emissions from the atmosphere. In fact, PVC production releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere so it is wiser to choose wood for your sash windows. Oak window frames can potentially last for many years while the average PVC window may only last for a decade or so.
If maintained properly, your oak windows can efficiently resist wear and tear or decay. Wood is one of the best natural materials that acts as an insulator and keeps your indoor temperature comfortable. This means in winter times the heat within your house is retained, which in turn will reduce your electricity bill.

Although it is true that timber frames require regular weatherproofing in order to keep them in tip top condition, they are worth the effort you spend on varnishing them every year. Keep in mind that bespoke sash window frames should never be replaced with PVC as you will risk losing the character that these windows give to your home. Moreover, hardwood is by far the most energy efficient material for window frames as it takes 8 times more energy to create a PVC window. This is because more waste is created from PVC and only 3 percent of it can be recycled.
Nowadays, more and more people are opting for PVC window frames because they are under the impression that this material is maintenance free. However, contrary to popular belief, PVC can get damaged in the intense heat of the sun or the freezing cold weather. The damage is not repairable so you will end up having to replace the entire window instead. As long as you choose high quality timber such as oak, you can benefit from its properties for many years to come.

When you compare oak to pine, you will realize that you have more options when it comes to color. The manufacturers dry the oak in their factories first before conditioning and treating it. This process helps the material stabilize in order to ensure minimal movement. All bespoke sash window frames that are made from oak are precisely engineered to avoid twisting. To compare the quality of oak with pine, take an untreated piece of both materials and bury them in the garden. After a few years, the pine will show signs of rot whereas the oak will remain in good shape. This is because oak is a type of hardwood that takes much longer than pine to decay and as a result, it is a better building material than softwoods.

In most traditional homes, timber windows account for approximately 30 percent in the public sector and around 55 percent in the private sector. Many remodeling projects or new builds also opt for timber frames rather than PVC as the developers want to enhance the look of the property and add some character to it. It is no wonder that all the older homes you see still retain their original look and keep their hardwood sash window frames maintained.

While PVC window and door manufacturers have always used high quality materials, in the last decade or so, the evolution of wooden window frames in terms of design, strength, and quality has gone to another level. You will no longer find wood that can easily rot as the manufacturers treat it against decay in the factory and they ensure the frames are fully protected against UV rays and water. The modern bespoke hardwood window frames have guarantees of up to 10 years and they remain rot free for up to 30 years.
Double glazing and sealing the frames help maximize the lifespan of the window frames. This innovative technique further lengthens the life of the hardwood. Compared to PVC, timber frames can last 10 or more years longer as long as the windows are well designed and maintained. In fact, most sash windows last a lifetime when they are stained and treated on a regular basis.

If you are looking for durability, you should choose oak over pine. A correctly manufactured hardwood window will perform very well in comparison to PVC. If it is aesthetic appeal that you are after, then oak is the answer as it looks great and can be painted any color you like. Keep in mind that you will still need to paint the exterior surfaces of your sash windows in order to ensure lifetime durability. Depending on your local climate, hardwood window frames will withstand against adverse weather conditions as long as they are maintained regularly.