06 Jan Is Timber Still the Best Choice for Period Properties?

When shopping for windows for your period home, you want the house to keep its charm while also feeling warm and comfortable. With so many modern materials around, is timber still a good option today? For many period homes, the answer is yes. 

Most period properties were designed around timber windows. The shapes and fine details are all defined by slim frames and traditional craftsmanship. When these are replaced with thick or modern frames, the overall feel of the building can change. And not in a good way.

This is why owners of older homes generally have fewer options than people in new builds. In conservation areas or historic streets, timber is usually the best choice.

What makes timber a good choice for older houses?

Timber has a natural warmth that simply suits period homes. It looks right because it has always been part of buildings like these. Modern engineered timber is very different from the old solid wood windows many people remember. It is made in layers, which makes it stronger and even stops the wood from twisting or swelling over time. This is why many homeowners shopping for windows in the North East now choose engineered timber instead of traditional solid wood.

Another big reason timber is still so popular is how closely it can match the look of original windows. Styles like sliding sash windows or flush casements can be copied with real accuracy. Small details like glazing bars and mouldings can be made to suit the property’s age and style.

Timber is also very flexible in terms of design. Older houses rarely have perfectly even window openings. Timber frames can be made to fit unusual shapes and sizes, thereby preserving the original layout of the building. In other words, with timber windows, homeowners don’t have to force standard windows into spaces where they don’t really belong.

Modern comfort with engineered timber

Today’s timber windows are built to meet modern standards. When paired with high-quality glazing, they help keep heat inside and cut down outside noise. Condensation is also much less of a problem than it used to be. So you can enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home without losing the character that made you love it in the first place.

Modern timber windows are even treated with special coatings that protect the wood while still letting it breathe. With proper maintenance, they can last for many decades.

How does timber compare with other materials?

uPVC and aluminium windows are a good option for many modern homes but not necessarily for period properties. uPVC can struggle to copy fine details and aluminium can look too sharp or modern. Timber is right in the middle. It delivers good performance while still looking right on an older building.

Modern timber windows are also much easier to look after than older ones. Thanks to factory-applied finishes and quality paints, they don’t need frequent work. For most people, maintenance is as easy as it gets and is only required every so often.

H6. Looking for windows in the North East?

If you want high-quality windows in the North East, check out timber framed/engineered timber windows from Priory Windows and Conservatories. Call 0191 251 2999 or contact us online to request a quote or arrange a survey.