I am currently researching options for external windows and doors. I have looked at two options of wood ; Red Grandis and Sapele. Does anyone know how they compare in quality and cost please? or what other alternative wood options I could pursue ?
Sapele is from the mahogany family and is more readily available as a solid timber, the engineered format is usually more expensive than Grandis.
Grandis is from the eucalyptus family and is readily available in engineered format making it slightly cheaper. but they are both good hardwoods and both ideal for doors and windows however we would personally always opt for engineered timber for stability unless using Accoya timber.
We use engineered wood in virtually all of our exterior joinery projects as it is much more stable to work with compared to solid timber sections and is much less likely to warp or twist in wet/humid conditions.
Depending on the finish you want on your door and whether or not you live in an exposed area e.g. by the sea would help us deciding on a certain timber for your needs.
If you want a stained wooden door then you can not beat Engineered Oak. If you are opting for a painted finish then we would advise on Engineered Grandis. It is a more affordable hardwood that looks great when painted.
If you live in an exposed area then Accoya is fantastic, it is a softwood that has had the cell structure altered using a natural process to stop it from absorbing moisture. The benefits of this is that Accoya timber will last 50 years above sea level and the shrinkage and swelling is reduced by 75% which reduces your maintenance costs long term. It can be painted or if you prefer it can be stained to look like Oak. Accoya is a more expensive timber due to its properties.
For painted windows we still think Engineered Redwood is a great affordable option, it is a very hard "softwood" and works well for windows but we would never advise that it is used on doors as it doesn't last. Again if you want your windows to be stained then we would suggest Engineered Oak or Accoya.
Hope this helps, good luck with your search and let us know if you have any further questions.
We recommend that the timber should be chosen for strength, durability and stability to ensure it is of good quality.
Both Red Grandis and Sapele are stable and moderately durable and resistant to insects and decay.
However, we would normally recommend Accoya for the external facing wood, which is very durable and is reasonably forgiving of any subsequent lack of maintenance or neglect. Accoya is also fully sustainable.
If you would like a free, no obligation quote or would like more advice on choosing the right timber, please give us a call on 01344 868 668 and we would be happy to help.
We would also recommend Accoya. We have been using it for years now and find the results unbelievable. It is so stable, there is little to no movement in the joinery which is turn means that you don't get any cracking of the paint coating. It's very low maintenance. We offer a 10 year guarantee even on the paintwork so long as you wash it down twice a year.
Accoya is beautiful, durable, stable, strong and 100% environmentally friendly so it ticks all the boxes for us as a manufacturer and for all of our customers too.
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Timber Master LTD
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