Timber windows
made to measure
Windows that suit the house, geometrically as well as visually - from a reproduction of a historic pattern to a modern window for a new build.
Why timber pays off over the longer term
A timber window can be repaired. That is the difference that tells over the years: where a damaged plastic frame has to be replaced, on a timber window the affected area is cut out, made good and recoated. Windows we built decades ago are still in place - after a few repaints, but with the original frame.
Then there is how the material behaves. Timber insulates well by nature, works with the indoor climate and feels warmer to the hand than metal or plastic. In rooms with high humidity it takes up moisture and releases it again, rather than depositing it on the glass.
Older buildings and heritage: reproducing the original
In historic fabric a window is rarely a catalogue size. Walls are out of plumb, openings are not square, and the division of the glazing bars follows the period of the building rather than any standard. We therefore survey on site, take an existing window apart as a pattern where necessary, and reproduce the mouldings - drip bar, bar section, ironmongery.
For the Villa Koebling in Speyer we produced faithful reproductions of the windows and restored those originals worth keeping; at the von Winning winery in Deidesheim, historically accurate reproductions of windows, shutters and doors now shape the street frontage. For the private residence shown above, in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, every window was made and fitted to the original pattern. Where the heritage authority has a say, we agree the detailing in advance - that saves expensive rework.
Restore rather than replace
Not every old window has to go. Frames and sashes are often sound at the core, and it is the weather side, the putty and the ironmongery that have given up. We assess what is worth doing: making good the timber, new seals, overhauling or replacing the ironmongery, repainting - and, where it makes sense, replacing the glazing within the existing frame.
We will also say when restoration no longer pays. That is decided by the condition of the timber, not the age of the window.
New build
Windows to your dimensions, matched to the facade and the required insulation standard. Timber, frame depth, opening type and ironmongery agreed together.
Reproduction to pattern
For older and listed buildings we work from the existing window or a historic drawing - profile, bar division and proportion are preserved.
Restoration
Overhauling existing windows: making good the timber, freeing the ironmongery, recoating. Often the cheaper and more heritage-friendly option.
Frequently asked questions
Properly maintained, decades - we look after windows well over thirty years old. Three things decide it: a construction that lets water run off rather than stand, an intact coating, and a look at the weather side every few years. What usually gets neglected is not the window but the paintwork.
As a guide every five to eight years, though this varies considerably with orientation. A window facing south and into the weather needs attention noticeably sooner than one on a sheltered north elevation. The best moment is before the coating cracks - then sanding down and overcoating is enough, instead of stripping back to bare timber.
Plastic is cheaper to buy and needs no painting. Timber lasts longer, can be repaired, insulates better, and in an older building is often the only option that is acceptable visually and under heritage rules. Replacing every ten years does not work out cheaper. We advise honestly, even when the answer argues against a new window.
The relevant heritage authority decides case by case, usually on profile, bar division, material and colour. As a rule the external appearance has to be preserved - which does not rule out modern glazing if it is properly installed. We clarify this before work starts and supply the documents the authority needs for consent.
Get in touch
Have a project in mind? We look forward to hearing from you.