Wooden window frames have an advantage when it comes to appearance and durability, but they also have a reputation to deal with: lots of maintenance, risk of rot, higher costs.
At Woodcore, we get these questions every day, from homeowners renovating their property to contractors requesting a quote for a client. Based on that, we have listed the ten questions we hear most often — with an honest answer, even where the answer is more nuanced than you might like.
At Woodcore, we get these questions every day, from homeowners renovating their property to contractors requesting a quote for a client. Based on that, we have listed the ten questions we hear most often — with an honest answer, even where the answer is more nuanced than you might like.
1. Are wooden window frames really that much more maintenance-intensive than uPVC?
Less than most people think, but they are not maintenance-free. A well-manufactured wooden window frame with a high-quality topcoat only needs attention about once every seven to ten years: check for damage, inspect the sealant joints and repaint where necessary. That is not a full day’s work, but it does require attention that uPVC does not. On the other hand, damage to wood can be repaired locally — a damaged area can be touched up, whereas a uPVC profile has to be replaced entirely.
2. How long do wooden window frames last?
With proper maintenance, you can expect a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, and with durable wood species such as Accoya or meranti, this can be even longer. By comparison, uPVC window frames last an average of 20 to 30 years before discolouration, brittleness or sealing issues become a problem. The main difference is what happens after that lifespan: wood can be repaired and restored, while uPVC cannot.
3. Are wooden window frames more expensive than uPVC or aluminium?
In terms of purchase price, usually yes, on average 10 to 25% more than uPVC, depending on the type of wood and profile. However, the total cost over the lifespan (total cost of ownership) often works out in favour of wood, precisely because of its longer lifespan and the ability to repair it rather than replace it completely. For listed or architecturally significant buildings, wood is also often the only option that is aesthetically — and sometimes legally — accepted.
4. Which type of wood is best for window frames?
That depends on your budget and intended use. Spruce is the most affordable option and perfectly suitable when properly treated, but it requires slightly more frequent maintenance. Meranti is a popular mid-range choice: stable, easy to work with and less maintenance-sensitive. Accoya, a modified wood species, sits at the top end of the spectrum: extremely dimensionally stable, with a lifespan guarantee of up to 50 years even in ground contact, making it particularly suitable for coastal areas or extremely changeable weather conditions.
5. Do wooden window frames insulate as well as uPVC or aluminium?
Better, even. Wood is naturally an insulating material — the U-value of the frame itself is often lower than that of uPVC or aluminium. Combined with triple glazing (HR+++), a wooden window frame can easily achieve the insulation values required to improve a property’s energy rating. The misconception that wood “causes draughts” usually has nothing to do with the material itself, but with an outdated or poorly adjusted window frame.
6. Do wooden window frames rot faster than uPVC frames crack or discolour?
Rot almost always occurs due to a combination of poor finishing, overdue maintenance and moisture that cannot escape — not because of the material itself. A correctly manufactured and treated wooden window frame with proper water drainage details (such as the correct bevel and drip groove) hardly experiences this problem in practice. uPVC has its own weak point: under UV exposure, the material discolours and becomes brittle over time, and that process cannot be reversed.
7. Can I have wooden window frames painted in any colour?
Yes, and that is precisely one of the biggest advantages compared to uPVC. Any RAL colour is possible, and you can change the colour whenever you want — for example, during a future renovation or before selling the property. With uPVC, you are tied to the colour of the profile unless you apply a foil, which is a temporary and less durable solution.
8. What is the lead time for custom-made wooden window frames?
Allow an average of 6 to 10 weeks from the final measurements and approval of the quotation, depending on the number of window frames, the complexity of the design and the chosen wood species. For larger projects or special profiles — such as reconstructions for listed buildings — this can take longer. It is always advisable to start measuring early in the process, especially if the renovation has to follow a fixed schedule.
9. Do I need a permit to replace my window frames?
That depends on your property and local authority. For a standard family home outside a protected area, replacement generally does not require a permit, as long as you do not significantly alter the existing dimensions or appearance. If you live in a listed building or a protected town or village conservation area, an environmental permit is almost always required, and the new window frame layout often has to follow the historic profile. Always check this with your local authority in advance — we can also help you consider this when preparing the quotation.
10. Are wooden window frames more environmentally friendly than uPVC?
Generally, yes. Wood is a renewable raw material that stores CO2 as it grows, while the production of uPVC requires fossil-based raw materials and is more difficult to recycle at the end of its lifespan. FSC-certified wood also guarantees responsible forest management. However, it is important to pay attention to the origin and certification of the wood you buy — not every “wooden” window frame is automatically sustainably produced.
