Timber is the right answer in fewer situations than it used to be, but where it is right, nothing else will do. Period houses, protected structures and conservation areas often require it, and there are houses where a uPVC window simply looks wrong. The honest trade off is maintenance, and it is worth going in with clear eyes about that.
When is timber the right choice?
When the house is a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area, or when the proportions and detail of the original windows are part of what the house is.
Planning conditions decide it in a lot of cases. A protected structure or a house in a conservation area will often have a condition requiring timber, and the profile and glazing bar pattern may be specified too. That is a question for your local authority before anything is ordered.
Outside of planning, it comes down to how the house reads. On a Georgian or Victorian house with fine glazing bars, the heavier sections of a uPVC frame change the proportion of the window and it shows from the street.
What does maintaining timber windows actually involve?
Repainting on a cycle, checking the seals, and dealing with any bare timber before weather gets into it.
Modern factory finished timber windows are a long way from the bare softwood of decades ago. The finish lasts years rather than seasons, but it is a finish and it will eventually need renewing, sooner on a south or west facing elevation that takes the weather.
The thing that actually destroys timber windows is water getting into unprotected end grain and joints. Catching a chip or a crack early is the whole game.
What about sash windows?
Sliding sash is the traditional pattern in most Irish period houses, and it can be replaced like for like or the existing boxes refurbished.
Where the existing sash boxes are sound, refurbishment with new sashes and draught seals often gives a better result than replacement, and is usually easier to get past planning on a protected structure.
Where they are beyond repair, new sash units are made to the original sight lines. Getting the glazing bar thickness and the meeting rail height right is what makes a replacement look correct rather than approximate.
Is timber worth it if there is no planning requirement?
Sometimes, and it depends on how much the look matters to you against the maintenance you are taking on.
We will give you a straight answer at the measure rather than a sales one. On a lot of houses uPVC or aluminium is the better value decision, and we will say so. On a period house where the windows are a defining feature, timber earns it.
If timber is not required and not right, our <a href="/windows/upvc/">uPVC</a> and <a href="/windows/aluminium/">aluminium</a> pages cover the alternatives.
Windows carry a ten year warranty against defects.
How it works
We call out, measure the space and talk through what you want. Our designers draw it in 3D so you see the finished piece in your own room, and you get one complete itemised quote within two working days. Nothing is ordered and nothing is charged until you say yes.
One team for this and the rest of the job
The same team that makes this fits it, and we also do kitchens, fitted wardrobes, internal doors and windows. If more than one thing needs doing, it is one contractor, one schedule and one point of contact rather than four. See the rest of our work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to replace windows?
On a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area, usually yes, and the material and profile may be conditioned. Check with your local authority before ordering anything.
Can you match an existing window profile?
Timber can be made to a specified profile and glazing bar pattern, which is exactly why it is used on period houses.
How often will they need painting?
A modern factory applied finish lasts years rather than seasons, with exposed elevations needing attention sooner. Catching damage early matters more than the interval.
What areas do you cover?
Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The design visit is free and there is no obligation.