If you’re researching new double-glazed wooden sash windows, you’ve likely come across one of the most common questions homeowners ask:
“Should I choose softwood or hardwood?”
Both softwood and hardwood materials have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities, such as durability, budget, sustainability, and heritage accuracy. This guide offers a clear, no-nonsense comparison between the two, helping you decide which best suits your home and goals.
The terms softwood and hardwood can be misleading.
They don’t describe the actual hardness of the timber, but rather the type of tree it comes from:
For sash windows, both can be machined and painted to look identical; what truly varies is cost, performance, and sustainability.
Many modern sash window manufacturers use engineered, treated Redwood softwood because it offers excellent stability, workability, and a smooth, consistent paint finish.
Redwood has been the traditional timber for painted sash windows in the UK for decades. When properly treated, sealed, and painted, it can provide reliable performance and longevity.
✅ More cost-effective, typically 25 – 30% less than hardwood
✅ Excellent paint finish and smooth surface
✅ Sustainably sourced and fast-growing (lower environmental impact)
✅ Lightweight and easy to machine, ideal for heritage detail
✅ Very stable when finger jointed and laminated (minimises twisting or warping)
⚠️ A slightly softer surface may dent more easily if knocked
⚠️ Requires proper treatment and microporous paint protection
⚠️ Not suitable for stained or clear finishes (best used painted)
Tip: When correctly treated and maintained, factory finished softwood windows can offer comparable longevity to hardwood. The key factor is not the timber species itself, but the quality of its finish and ongoing care.
Regardless of the timber you choose, paint finish quality and maintenance have the biggest influence on long-term window performance.
Factory finishing, now standard among many joinery firms, ensures that each component is:
A well-finished sash window should arrive ready to fit, requiring minimal on-site work and offering long-term protection. With regular cleaning and maintenance of the paint surface, both softwood and hardwood windows can last for decades.
Both softwood and hardwood are excellent options for double glazed wooden sash windows neither is inherently superior.
Your decision will depend on factors such as:
Both timber types can deliver lasting beauty, efficiency, and authenticity when engineered and finished to a high standard.
If you’re deciding between softwood and hardwood for your sash window replacement, focus on what matters most to you: cost, finish, environmental impact, or tradition.
By understanding the strengths and trade-offs of each, you’ll be well equipped to make a confident, informed decision that balances character, performance, and practicality for your home.
As Co-founder of Novells Sash Windows, Philip has spent over 20 years perfecting the craft of designing, supplying, and fitting luxury wooden double-glazed box sash windows.
A family-run business led by Philip and his wife Nicola, Novells has fitted thousands of wooden windows across London and Surrey, with clients including Vivienne Westwood and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
