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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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which hardwood to use for set of French Windows
I will shortly be commissioning a set of doors that open out from my
kitchen into the garden. Are there any particular pros and cons for the varioius hardwoods that are available? Any factors I should be aware of in selecting the wood? Many thanks Chris |
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On 29 Aug 2005 02:22:36 -0700, "
wrote: I will shortly be commissioning a set of doors that open out from my kitchen into the garden. Are there any particular pros and cons for the varioius hardwoods that are available? Any factors I should be aware of in selecting the wood? Many thanks Chris I looked at the "durability" of the wood I choose. Hardwood / Softwood is the difference between weather the leaves fall off the tree, not how hard/soft the wood actually is. I chose Douglas Fir, for various reasons cost local supply - managed woodland I like the look of it The people who are making my windows like working with it Rick |
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" wrote in message
oups.com I will shortly be commissioning a set of doors that open out from my kitchen into the garden. Are there any particular pros and cons for the varioius hardwoods that are available? Any factors I should be aware of in selecting the wood? There is no point in having hardwood if you intend to paint it. What you need is to ensure long straight grain and no knots. But you should expect that without asking, from a reputable workshop. You might insist on a dip in preservative or at the very least a brushed on coating of something like Cuprinol when it is assembled and the glue has dried. (I presume they still make poisons like that?) If you insist on hardwood make sure it has the seal of approval from sustained forest management authorities. Most of the illegal logging comes from Indonesia and Brazil these days, so just stay clear of mahogany type woods. If you want Oak go the France or Spain for it. I bet you get better quality or cheaper than if you buy British. -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
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Andy Champ wrote:
wrote: I will shortly be commissioning a set of doors that open out from my kitchen into the garden. Are there any particular pros and cons for the varioius hardwoods that are available? Any factors I should be aware of in selecting the wood? If the doors face south or west, I'd consider upvc or aluminium. The basic design of french windows makes them very vulnerable to the weather. |
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Douglas fir is a moderately durable softwood and so is larch.
Curiously larch is also deciduous -the needles drop off in winter. Either of these would be suitable and do not need painting with poison. Forget all the tropical hardwoods if you care about the planet. Similarly upvc and alluminium. Oak is, of course, far and away the best. It is durable, will not need preservative treatments, can be left bare to age gracefully to a silvery grey or can be coated with linseed oil for a warmer colour. Or you can paint it but use a real linseed oil paint. It is a little more expensive to buy and harder to work so expect to pay more for quality but it will last for ever. And it is beautiful. I don't agree that you have to buy oak from France or Spain. Rumour has it they keep the best for wine barrels :-) There are large supplies of good oak from Poland and Hungary but there is also plenty of excellent home grown oak. I only use British oak for my windows and doors |
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Keruing ( Dipterocarpus Costatus Gaertn.F.) or Teak. Can be linseed
oiled, or left as they are naturally oily. We used to use keruing for slats on wooden boxes that were intermittently submerged as part of a boating pontoon. |
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Rick wrote:
On 29 Aug 2005 02:22:36 -0700, " wrote: I will shortly be commissioning a set of doors that open out from my kitchen into the garden. Are there any particular pros and cons for the varioius hardwoods that are available? Any factors I should be aware of in selecting the wood? Many thanks Chris I looked at the "durability" of the wood I choose. Hardwood / Softwood is the difference between weather the leaves fall off the tree, not how hard/soft the wood actually is. Yup - all to do with whether it is a deciduous tree or not as many people are surprised to hear that Balsa wood is actually a hardwood! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balsa_wood D |
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Andy Hall wrote: Biff, as a matter of interest, what do you use for hinges and fitments? Brass? Yes, I mostly use brass. You can get a chemical reaction between ferrous metals and the chemicals in oak particularly in places where it can get wet. A good quality stainless steel would be fine. For antique-looking iron hinges and latches use real whiteheat malleable iron. |
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