Wooden Window Frames Vs. PVC: Which To Choose?

A building project – whether it’s from scratch or whether you are renovating – is fraught with important decisions to be made. Sometimes, in fact, there are so many things to think about it can become a little overwhelming. When it comes to choosing the materials for your window frames, probably the two mostly widely used are wood and PVC. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. If it’s come down to a choice between the two, the one you go for really depends on the kind of building you are working on, your own personal tastes and the budget you are working to. To help you make your decision, here are some of the pros and cons of each.

Wood

Pros

The traditional look of wooden window frames is highly aesthetically appealing and great if you’re renovating a period property or simply going for a more traditional look. It is also versatile since there are many different varieties of wood available and you can paint it any colour you want. This is not to mention the range of varnishes and stains available which can greatly enhance the look of the material.

Also, as wooden frame suppliers such as Buildmer Ltd would point out, wood is in many ways a highly sustainable choice. It is a naturally occurring material so there are no additional processes involved in its production which could create harmful CO2 emissions. In fact, wood is carbon neutral as it actually absorbs more COC2 than it produces. Yes, there will be a certain carbon footprint involved in its transport from the forest to the building site but this can be minimised if you source as locally as possible.

This material is also durable and has a long life span which will save you money as you can avoid costly repairs or replacements. Bear in mind that you will also save on your energy bills as wood is a highly insulating material that traps warmth.

Cons

On the other hand, you do need to be extra careful about who you get to produce and install your wooden window frames.  If they are not perfectly installed their performance is compromised. Wooden window frames also require regular maintenance and treatment to ensure the material retains its integrity for many years. It is also true that wood, being a more ‘premium’ material, is generally more expensive than PVC.

PVC

Pros

This material is very robust and requires little maintenance over time so it’s great if you’re looking for a fuss-free option. PVC window frames are generally a cheaper option than wood and are almost as energy efficient as wood thanks to their high insulation properties.

Cons

On the flipside, with PVC there is far more limited range of colours available – unlike with wood which can be painted any colour or finished with many different kinds of varnishes. Also, whilst they have longevity the frames can discolour over time which will spoil their ‘clean’ appearance. If exposed to very high temperatures there is also the slightly possibility that they may rupture. Furthermore, if there is a fire then the vinyl may start to give off dangerous toxic fumes. PVC frames will also look very out of place on period homes so they are not really an option for this kind of building project.

Conclusion

PVC frames tend to be cheaper, faster to install and require less maintenance than wood. However, if you are looking for something unique with a ‘premium’ feel then wood seems to have far more to offer thanks to the huge choice available in terms of type of wood, finish, colour and so on. From an environmental perspective it also comes out on top because it is a natural material that is CO2 neutral and fully recyclable at the end of its life span.