This article was published on March 16, 2016
Here at ERW we often get asked is hardwood better than softwood for windows?
The short answer is neither. Softwoods account for about 80% of the world’s timber production and are more commonly used in the construction of window frames and doors yet each type of wood has
its own qualities and characteristics that make them perfect to use. The main difference between the two is visual and structural. Visually, Hardwood has a attractive grain texture that looks lovely finished in a light stain whereas Softwood is often engineered and includes modern finger joints that look better painted. However some people choose to exp
ose the engineered finger joints for a more continental look.
Structurally Hardwood (deciduous) trees have broader leaves that change and drop with the seasons. They are found in places with moderate weather cycles that change throughout the year and often bare fruits or pods. Softwoods (coniferous) come from trees that have needles and cones and retain their leaves all year round as they are usually from cooler climates like the Arctic Circle. Hardwoods are typically denser than softwoods however Softwoods have open cells that allow them to absorb things better than most Hardwoods such as adhesives or finishes and it also makes it easier to treat them and increase their durability.
At ERW we use two types of Hardwood, Sapele and Red Grandis. Sapele is a member of the traditional ‘Mahogany’ species which gives the more recognised strong reddish hue and is available with Full FSC certification and Chain of Custody. This means
that it comes from well managed sustainable sources. Red Grandis is a FSC pure, knot free, uniform Hardwood timber that has the appearance of Oak without the price tag. It’s soft, yellow hue makes it a lovely addition to any home.
In the final stages of manufacturing adding a stained effect to these Hardwoods allows more of the natural colour to take centre stage whereas paint offers a distinct coating that can be added in any colour.
The Softwood that we choose to use is Engineered Redwood. We generally provide the Engineered Redwood painted as there is modern finger joints on the face of the timber. This is because the type of tree Softwood generally comes from has branches that sprout low down the trunk. The knots from the branches then have to be cut out of the wood in the engineering process and the pieces have to be sealed together to create one long piece of timber.
The choice to use Hard or Soft wood is completely personal and at ERW we specialise in bespoke, made to order windows and doors which means we are much more flexible in every aspect from manufacture to installation. At our award winning showroom we have a collection of finished products on display and we offer tours of our manufacturing facility so that you can see first hand the work that goes into creating our products.
Engineered Redwood with White Paint
Red Grandis Doors with Teknos Red Grandis Oak Stain
Sapele Windows and Doors with Teak Stain
With summer upon us, it’s time to make the most of your outdoor space, and spend some time in your garden! Perhaps this year is the perfect time for a refresh, a time for something different to encourage you and your family to utilise your garden. By reinventing your outdoor space, you’ll have the chance […]
Outdated doors can often bring properties down without you realising, with new, bespoke doors, you can completely enhance your home’s entrance. Your front door is an excellent opportunity to make a great first impression, and allow your home to stand out as one of greater quality. Your home should be something that you’re proud of […]
New planning application fees could make improving your heritage home more expensive- but at ERW, we’re offering expert support at no extra cost. Understanding the New Planning Fees As of 1 April 2025, planning application fees in England have undergone a significant rise. These adjustments are part of a government initiative to help local planning […]
Having just recently had wooden windows installed by your company, I would like to thank you for the professional and efficient service you provided. From my initial phone call to ERW through quotation and survey it all went very smoothly. I congratulate you on your work force who were all polite, punctual, reliable, tidy, helpful, considerate and very hard working. A CREDIT TO ERW! Needless to say I am delighted with my new windows and would not hesitate to recommend ERW to anyone who wants to deal with a professional family run firm.
Mrs B, Wolviston, Billingham
Our whole experience with ERW joiners has been absolutely first class. Our first meeting was a showroom appointment with Stuart Wall, I personally loved the showroom straightaway, the colours of the sample doors blew me away.
To the skilled craftsmen of joiners who made our front door, who we have not met, but who we will forever be grateful too – their craftsmanship is beyond compare – thank you so very much.
Mrs Lister
Thanks so much for excellent service, so happy with new door, it’s exactly how I wanted it to look . Everyone at ERW was so helpful and informative from start to finish, I will definitely recommend to all friends and family.
Kathryn N
A superb job! We’re really delighted with all our new windows. We’d like to thank ERW very much.
The installation team of Craig, Aarron and Joe were very professional, worked well together and got on with the job efficiently to complete everything ahead of time. They were very polite and communicated well with us about the job in hand and the time scale, and we were impressed that they cleared up so well each day before leaving. We would like to thank them for all their workmanship, advice, help and good humour.
The quality of the items made off-site was very high. The 7 windows look really good, they operate well and the finish is excellent. Hopefully, next winter’s gas and electricity bills will show the benefit.
From our initial contact with Stuart and our visit to the showroom, through the technical survey by Andy and the co-ordination by Sophie and Jeff, to the final installation, we’re more than happy with the whole process. We’re so pleased that we chose ERW for our continuing efforts at improving our 115-year-old home. We will certainly come back for the final stage of work on our windows in due course.
Mr and Mrs C, Darlington
Brochure Download
We're not able to carry out installations in your postcode area, however, we can still design and create your door, and you can liaise with a local fitter in your area to install it.
Close