Aluminium vs. timber windows

Aluminium or timber windows, which to choose? Which are the best windows for you and your building project, and what should you consider when making a well-informed decision?

Let’s start by looking at the pros and cons of both.

Aluminium windows

• Perform well considering strength, lightness, function and longevity. 
• Are more durable and require less maintenance.
• Can be manufactured to exacting standards. 
• Will not swell or shrink with changes in temperature and humidity.
• Can be made with a thermal break to improve thermal efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint.
• Are available in a wide range of powder coat finishes to match/compliment your colour scheme.
• Can be anodised resulting in excellent corrosion resistance. 
• Are resistant to rodents, termites and vermin.
• Don’t rot and deteriorate like some timber species.
• May be a more affordable option that timber.
• Are made of a non-combustible material. 

Timber windows

• Are more welcoming and create a warm natural, luxurious look and feel.
• Are available in a number of profiles and can be easily modified. Greater flexibility in profile sections available and can be easily shaped, moulded or curved. 
• Can be left unfinished to weather naturally, be clear finished, stained or painted. 
• You can change the finish/colour by repainting or staining to suit a new colour scheme.
• Are made from a natural renewable material and as such are more environmentally friendly.
• Are available in a number of timber species and price ranges.
• Are thermally efficient and provide a higher insulation value than aluminium with limited heat conductivity. 
• Store atmospheric carbon.

If maintenance is high on your list then aluminium windows are well worth considering. They don’t require the painting or staining (and associated preparation) that timber windows require, but are you losing that beautiful natural timber look that timber windows can provide?

There are also timber/aluminium combinations available just to make your decision harder, not to mention PVC windows, but perhaps they’re for another discussion topic some time later.

There is no right or wrong answer, at the end of the day it’s really up to you – what you consider the important features to be, what fits with your budget and the style of your home. 

If you’re still not sure, then speak to one of our experienced architects, we’d be happy to help you.