If you are trying to determine hard wood windows or soft wood windows which will last longer and why, the choice may seem obvious. Hard wood is harder than soft wood, so the windows made of hard wood would typically last longer. When you study the characteristics of the wood, though, you may be surprised to find that there are other aspects that enter into the expected longevity of the window.
Some typical hardwoods are mahogany, walnut, oak and ash. Softwoods used by man for home construction and millwork is often pine, cedar, spruce and Douglas fir. Hardwoods are not always hard. For example, balsa is classified as a hardwood, yet is a very light weight product. On the other hand, yew wood is technically a softwood that is harder than many hardwoods.
When you look at the structure of these two types of wood under a microscope, you will see that they are significantly different. Conifers or softwood usually have just two types of cells, known as the longitudinal and the transverse cells. Hardwood cells are designed differently, because the move the nutrients and water in a different way than softwoods.
So, the type of hardwood or softwood is more of a factor in expected longevity than the label. If you are trying to decide which woods would be best for windows, you will find more options when you look at softwoods. There are pine, spruce and fir window casings readily available in all building supply centers.
Trees from which softwood lumber is milled tend to be faster growing. This feature means that the softwood frames and casings are more common and are priced lower than status windows. Because properly cared for windows will last many years, the life expectancy per dollar of price might not be critical. The cost of maintenance will probably be similar for each of the wood types.
If price is not an object, you may elect to go with wood that has a higher status or a more attractive appearance. For example, mahogany and teak are often used where the salt water spray will impact their appearance over years of use. Oak has a certain ambiance associated with it, but the wood is not typically used for windows.
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.
Some typical hardwoods are mahogany, walnut, oak and ash. Softwoods used by man for home construction and millwork is often pine, cedar, spruce and Douglas fir. Hardwoods are not always hard. For example, balsa is classified as a hardwood, yet is a very light weight product. On the other hand, yew wood is technically a softwood that is harder than many hardwoods.
When you look at the structure of these two types of wood under a microscope, you will see that they are significantly different. Conifers or softwood usually have just two types of cells, known as the longitudinal and the transverse cells. Hardwood cells are designed differently, because the move the nutrients and water in a different way than softwoods.
So, the type of hardwood or softwood is more of a factor in expected longevity than the label. If you are trying to decide which woods would be best for windows, you will find more options when you look at softwoods. There are pine, spruce and fir window casings readily available in all building supply centers.
Trees from which softwood lumber is milled tend to be faster growing. This feature means that the softwood frames and casings are more common and are priced lower than status windows. Because properly cared for windows will last many years, the life expectancy per dollar of price might not be critical. The cost of maintenance will probably be similar for each of the wood types.
If price is not an object, you may elect to go with wood that has a higher status or a more attractive appearance. For example, mahogany and teak are often used where the salt water spray will impact their appearance over years of use. Oak has a certain ambiance associated with it, but the wood is not typically used for windows.
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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A sash window renovation London area uses the latest techniques to improve the efficiency of your windows. A sash window refurbishment tightens joints, eliminates draughts and smooths rough and dry wood.
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