Round Timber Windows: Choosing Between Hardwood and Softwood

Round Timber Windows: Choosing Between Hardwood and Softwood

When it comes to choosing the perfect material for a round timber window, you have two main options: softwood and hardwood. Each type brings its own advantages, so understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision that balances style, durability, and budget.

In this guide, we’ll explore the qualities of Pine (the softwood we use for our windows) and compare it to Chestnut and Oak, two classic hardwoods we use, to see how they perform as window materials.

Dont want to read the whole thing? Take a quick look at the summary table below:

Specie	Cost	Durability	Finishes	Weight
Pine	780€+	10+ years with maintenance each 5 years	Must be gloss varnish or paint, or Epoxy for stated durability	Lightweight, easy for self installation
Chestnut	1500€+	30+ years if monitored each 10 years	Any finish, gloss, satin or matte for stated durability. Generally a darker wood, so lighter tones not achievable.	Heavier, may require professional installation
Oak	1800€+	30+ years if monitored each 10 years	Any finish, gloss, satin or matte for stated durability. Lighter tones possible	Heavy, may require professional installation

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Why Choose a Round Timber Window?

Round windows are unique, adding character and elegance to both modern and traditional buildings. They offer a charming architectural detail that draws the eye, provides visual contrast, and, when crafted from the right wood, can be a beautiful long-term investment. But the type of wood you choose will impact its performance and longevity, so let’s dive into the pros and cons of each option.

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Nordic Pine (Softwood) Pinus Sylvestris

Pros:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Pine is often chosen for its affordability. It’s generally less expensive than hardwoods like Oak and Chestnut, making it a practical choice for homeowners or businesses on a budget.
2. Workability: Pine is easier to work with, which makes it ideal for round windows which require a lot of detailed shaping. Its softer texture allows for faster processing, which reduces labor costs.
3. Light Weight: Pine’s lighter weight can be a practical advantage, especially if your round window is large or needs to be installed at height. It’s easier to maneuver, reducing strain during installation.
4. Customizability: Pine’s pale color and consistent grain pattern make it highly versatile for varnishing or painting, which means you can match it to nearly any interior or exterior color scheme. Whether you prefer a glossed varnish look or a gloss painted finish, Pine adapts well. We always recommend a gloss finish for both varnish or paint, as opposed to matt or satin. This is because a gloss finish will shed water more effectively and keep your window dry and protected from the elements.

Cons:

1. Durability: Because Pine is a softwood, it’s generally less resistant to wear and damage over time compared to hardwoods. In high-traffic or exposed areas, it may develop dents or scratches more readily. For this reason we always recommend that you allow us to finish your window with a high quality gloss varnish or paint before shipping. This way we can guarantee the longevity of your window. The only finish harder wearing than our varnishes would be an epoxy finish. This would protect the wood from UV as well as moisture and would be a great option to ensure the longevity of your round wooden window.
2. Weather Resistance: Pine doesn’t naturally resist moisture or pests as well as hardwoods. For this reason (whether you opt for a varnished, or unvarnished window), we will always apply two coats of colorless termite and mold treatment before shipping to ensure maximum protection.
3. Shorter Lifespan: Due to its softness and lower density, Pine generally has a shorter lifespan than hardwoods. Regular care and maintenance (each 5 years), such as re-painting or re-varnishing, will help extend its life but may not match the longevity of hardwood options.

Best for: Pine is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable, versatile material and don’t mind the extra maintenance. It’s perfect for interior round windows or low-exposure areas, especially if you’re prioritizing cost without compromising on style.

In Summary

With the right finish and right care, pine windows can last for decades, but they do need maintenance. If your windows are in an accessible position and you have the ability to maintain them yourself, it could be a short task (a few hours) every 5 years. If your windows are inaccessible, and you need to hire scaffolding and/or professionals to maintain them, then perhaps a hardwood window is right for you.

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European Chestnut (Hardwood) Castanea Sativa

Pros:

1. Exceptional Durability: Chestnut is a tough hardwood with high resistance to everyday wear, making it a great choice for areas where the window might face frequent use or exposure to the elements.
2. Natural Resistance: Unlike softwoods, Chestnut has natural resistance to moisture and pests, which helps protect it against rot and decay. This resilience makes it a suitable option for exterior windows or in climates with fluctuating weather.
3. Unique Appearance: Chestnut’s grain pattern is bold and distinct, with a rich, warm tone that adds character and sophistication to any space. Its beauty stands out, and it doesn’t typically require much additional finishing to make an impact.
4. Longer Lifespan: When properly maintained, Chestnut can last for decades, making it an investment in quality. Its strength and resilience mean it can endure challenging conditions while maintaining its shape and beauty.

Cons:

1. Higher Cost: As a hardwood, Chestnut generally comes at a higher price than Pine. Its durability and beauty make it a premium choice, but it may stretch the budget. Our chestnut windows fall in the mid price range for our windows.
2. Weight: Chestnut is denser and heavier than Pine, which can make installation more challenging, especially for larger round windows or high-up placements. This should not be an issue however for a professional installation.
3. Limited Customization: While Chestnut has a naturally stunning appearance, its bold grain may limit design flexibility if you’re looking for a specific color or finish. It doesn’t take to painting as smoothly as Pine, so it’s better for natural or stained finishes. Chestnut generally takes on a deeper tone than oak or pine so that is worth keeping in mind.

Best for: Chestnut is ideal if you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting material and have a bit more budget to allocate. It’s perfect for both interior and exterior round windows, particularly in spaces where durability and visual impact are top priorities.

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European Oak (Hardwood) Quercus Robur

Pros:

1. Excellent Strength: Oak is one of the strongest hardwoods, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for heavy-use areas or large windows that need structural stability.
2. Weather Resistance: Oak has a natural resistance to both moisture and insect damage, giving it a high level of resilience against environmental wear. It’s well-suited for exterior windows, where it faces more exposure.
3. Classic Aesthetic: Oak has a timeless look with a beautiful grain that ages well, gaining character over time. Its classic appearance fits well in both traditional and contemporary spaces, making it a versatile choice for various architectural styles.
4. Long-Term Value: Like Chestnut, Oak can last for generations with proper care, making it a great investment for those looking to add long-term value to their property.

Cons:

1. Cost: As with Chestnut, Oak’s quality comes at a higher price. The longevity and resilience of Oak make it worth the investment, but it may be beyond some budgets.
2. Heaviness: Oak is one of the heaviest wood options, which can make handling and installing large round windows more challenging. You may need additional support to ensure safe installation.
3. Requires Specialized Finishing: While Oak is naturally beautiful, it requires the right treatment and finish to keep it looking its best. It may also need periodic maintenance to protect against fading or weathering.

Best for: Oak is a great option if you’re looking for a strong, classic hardwood that will stand the test of time. It’s ideal for larger round windows or installations where you want maximum durability and a distinguished look.

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Final Thoughts: Which Wood is Right for You?

Choosing between Pine, Chestnut, and Oak comes down to balancing budget, durability, and design preferences.

• Pine is a great choice if you need a cost-effective and versatile material. It works especially well indoors or in low-exposure settings, offering easy customization options and an affordable price.
• Chestnut offers a middle ground, combining durability and character with a reasonable weight and a stunning natural look. It’s a solid choice for either interior or exterior windows that need to stand up to wear.
• Oak is the premium option, delivering unmatched strength, longevity, and a classic appearance that only improves with age. It’s perfect for large or highly exposed round windows where maximum resilience is needed.

Ultimately, each wood type has its place in round timber window design. Whether you’re aiming for budget-friendly functionality with Pine, durability with Chestnut, or timeless elegance with Oak, your window choice can bring both beauty and value to your space.