Timber Types & Processes

The timber we use is of the highest grade which is highly engineered, along with our waterproof D4 Glue to ensure maximum stability for all products, including Oak doors, Sapele hardwood doors and all type of softwood windows and doors we make.

Actually softwood is more energy efficient than hardwood, uPVC and obviously aluminium.

Superior engineered windows, hardwood doors & oak doors

As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for new housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure.

Steel and concrete have been the traditional materials used in building these structures, but they come with the environmental cost of emitting tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is where engineered wood comes in, as it has the potential to reduce carbon emissions if it replaces steel and concrete as the primary material in construction.

According to recent statistics, steel and cement production accounted for about 1320 megatonnes of CO2 and 1740 megatonnes of CO2 in 2014. If a hybrid construction system utilizing engineered wood and steel were to replace traditional materials, it could eliminate a lot of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

Engineered wood is also very beneficial for its ability to absorb CO2. There are many types of adhesives used in engineered wood which make it extremely durable and much less likely to warp or bend.

This makes engineered wood an ideal material for making wooden doors. You can find high-security multi-point hook bolt locking systems and 3-star cylinders that come as standard with doors from Authentic Timber Windows Ltd. You can choose between open-out or open-in designs. Furthermore, low aluminium thresholds are the best option for optimal weather performance.

SOFTWOOD windows and doors

European Redwood (Pine - Pinus Sylvestris)

European Redwood timber offers durability and stability. Since it has the reduced moisture absorption it helps enhance weather proofing and also has a prolonged lifespan. It’s characterised with a loose attractive grain. Softwood windows are more energy efficient than any other window or door material, check the fact sheet here.

As softwood is the most energy efficient and has a beautiful grain, this is our preferred choice of timber for most timber windows and doors. As it is a little softer than hardwood, maybe it’s not the best choice for a busy front door or back door, but certainly a great choice for windows.

Softwood can be treated with either extremely durable paint for minimal maintenance.

HARDWOOD

Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) or Dark Red Meranti

A very stable, strong and durable timber, characterised by a dense grain and a dark red colour. If you require hardwood windows painted in a RAL or White finish, then we definitely recommend Sapele/Meranti timber. It also has a very prestigious appearance when finished in a natural wax Stain.

Our recommendation: if you can not have an aluminium cill, this is the next best option as it is very hard and robust, so is best used for cills and entrance doors or busy doors. Sapele is easily treatable with our highly durable wood protection options.

HARDWOOD (oak doors)

European Oak (Quercus Robur)

Best for the Internal side of windows or doors, for maximum beauty, Oak is the ideal choice if you’re having a Stained finish and would like something extra special inside. It is an incredibly durable and strong timber, characterized by beautiful wood grain effects.

Our recommendation: Contrary to common beliefs, oak is best suited to less weather prone areas as the sun will make its natural beauty quickly disappear with its UV rays, unless very well stained and protected with a dark stain or solid paint, that must be of the highest quality.

Oak is known for its beauty but is best used internally. You can have a two tone finish to get the best of both worlds, stained natural wood inside and a solid painted finish outside, which will allow you to enjoy its beauty but also protect it from the UV rays outside.

Timber Processing

HIGHEST GRADE TIMBER - tried and tested for centuries.

What’s under the paint is critical for durability, so the timber used must be of the highest grade and must not have any knots or be too sappy.

All wood should be well settled after it comes from the kiln drying process to rid it of all anomalies and to let it settle in its natural dry state before it’s used.

The Moisture Content of wood used for manufacturing exterior joinery for the UK climate is between 12% and 16% MC. This ideal is supported by the BWF (British Woodworking Federation) and the BSI (British Standards Institution).

Equally important is our engineering process, which ensures that windows and doors do not bend and bow. Special joints using lots of small elements of wood, which is only used in the centres, and then we cover it with whole elements to ensure the beauty of the timbers grain is maintained on both faces, inside and outside, concealing all joints.