Timber windows and doors and how to add value to your property in 2021

Timber windows and doors and how to add value to your property in 2021

Whether you’re putting your house on the market or thinking about home improvements in 2021, knowing how to increase its value is vital. Certain projects don’t simply add kerb appeal, but can boost its worth too. What’s more, they don’t have to cost the earth to make a big difference. From changing fixtures and fittings and replacing internal doors, there are plenty of ways to give your home a facelift. Here, we take a closer look at how to add value to your property.

  1. Give the house a lick of paint

    Perhaps the cheapest and most simple way of giving your home a makeover is to repaint the inside. It’s not until you get a fresh coat of paint on the walls that you realise how many imperfections build up over the years! If you’re selling, opt for neutral shades over bright colours, and make sure you mask up!

  2. Replace your internal plywood doors with timber doors

    It’s often the small details that give an overall impression of a house. Having a high quality finish with cheap ply board doors can be all it takes to create a bad impression. Swapping plyboard doors for timber doors is a great way of showing your attention to detail.

  3. Think about getting a timber front door

    A front door is a front door, right? Not necessarily. Your front door is the first door people see when they visit your house. And as you know, it only takes a couple of seconds for someone to get an impression. Make sure it’s the right impression and consider a timber front door.

    Create more usable space

    When it comes to houses, space sells. Consider whether adding a timber conservatory will add value to your home. Most of the time, conservatories do not need planning permission and can be built much quicker than an extension. They’re usually cheaper too! When looking at timber conservatories, be mindful to use a reputable company who guarantee their work.

    5. Change old windows for something new

    Perished PVC windows can ruin the aesthetic of a property, not to mention make them inefficient. If your windows are in need of being replaced, consider a classy and timeless alternative, such as timber windows.

 

If your home is a period property, you’ll be familiar with the beauty of sash windows.  Bursting with history and heritage, sash timber windows give an unsurpassable level elegance to a property. If your house is in need of new timber windows, you’d like to install timber doors or you’re looking for a quality conservatory, call Rural Timber today on 01905 841 199 to request a quote.

Important Reasons for Choosing Accoya For Windows and Doors

Important Reasons for Choosing Accoya For Windows and Doors

 

As timber joinery specialists, we are always discussing the benefits of choosing timber doors and windows over materials such as uPVC. From durability and maintenance, to key design features and architectural considerations, there are many important reasons to consider wooden windows and doors.

At Rural Timber, we are committed to using only natural timbers from sustainable sources. We work with several different timbers to suit our customers’ needs, including traditional Oak, as well as highly durable Sapele hardwood and Accoya high performance softwood. Whilst the properties of Oak are widely known, you may not be so knowledgeable about Accoya, which has been described as the world’s leading long life wood.

What is Accoya?

Accoya is a type of softwood timber that we use regularly at Rural Timber for the crafting of bespoke windows and doors. It is modified by the acetylation process, which helps increase the durability of the wood, increasing its ability to resist rot, and stay resistant and resilient against the elements for many decades, whilst also looking wonderful.

Whilst many durable woods are sourced from slow growing tree species, Accoya is sourced from fast growing sustainably sourced radiata pine. As a result, Accoya is a much more sustainable than many other timber choices.

Key benefits of choosing Accoya for Windows and Doors

Accoya has many benefits when used in the manufacture of exterior windows and doors, for example:

It’s extremely durable – Accoya can last for as long as 50 years. It is highly resistant to weathering and copes well in any climate, it’s rot-proof, and forms an effective barrier against insects and wood-destroying fungi.

It’s strong – The processes used to treat the timber also increase the hardness and strength of the wood, making Accoya an excellent security solution.

It features excellent insulation properties – Accoya offers great thermal insulation properties and helps to conserve energy in your home, helping cut costs in the long term. For these reasons, it’s a great solution for window frames and external doors.

It’s sustainable and environmentally friendly – This fast growing softwood is sustainably sourced and is manufactured using non-toxic processes, adding nothing to the wood that doesn’t already naturally occur in wood. In contrast, many slow growing hardwoods are treated with toxic chemicals and non-renewable materials.

It’s stable in all climates – As stated above, Accoya copes well in all climates. Where temperature and humidity can be a problem for some timbers, causing them to swell, shrink or warp, Accoya is very dimensionally stable, so it is unlikely to lead to problems such as jamming doors, or draughty windows.

It looks great – Even with so many excellent attributes, Accoya wouldn’t be a popular timber for doors and windows if it wasn’t also a naturally beautiful wood. It can also be painted and stained in a wide range of colour finishes with ease, whilst maintaining a natural wood grain look.

Timber Doors and Windows in Worcestershire

If you are looking to upgrade your windows and doors, or invest in a timber conservatory or orangery, then you have come to the right people. Based just outside of Worcester, we create and install beautiful handcrafted windows and doors for all kinds of properties, throughout Worcestershire and the surrounding counties.

For more information, or to request a quote, please call our team on 01905 841199.

Why We Love Hardwood Doors

Why We Love Hardwood Doors

A charming home design can have a significant impact on visitor’s first impressions. Your doorway in particular, the entryway to your home, can completely alter the overall aesthetic of the exterior of your property. At Rural Timber, our team of talented, experienced joiners are committed to crafting bespoke hardwood doors, using only sustainable, high quality timbers.

 

Discover the benefits of upgrading your home with bespoke hardwood doors below:

Durability

Oak is a hardwood, which is a widely used material for crafting high quality, durable furniture. When compared to uPVC, hardwood doors are superior in how cost-effective they are, as you don’t have to compromise on quality. Their durability allows a long life span with only minimal maintenance, providing a worthwhile choice for your new doors.

Insulation

As a natural form of insulation, hardwood can withstand different climates and weather conditions. After installation, you may also notice the cost of your energy bills begin to drop, as hardwood doors are great for reducing heat loss in your home.

Sustainable Wood

At Rural Timbers, we use the finest quality of hardwood which has been sourced from renewable, sustained forests. Our oak and sapele doors offer a stunning natural look which can be stained, varnished or coloured at your request. We always use environmentally friendly water-based micro porous paints and wood stains, as these help your hardwood to breathe to maintain the quality of the wood as well as being kinder to the environment.

Luxury Feel

In comparison to uPVC, hardwood doors offer a more luxurious feel. A solid wood door can often increase the curb appeal of a property, as you can both see and feel the quality when entering. This can also have an influence on the impression people have on the rest of your home when entering.

Unique Design

All hardwood doors are completely distinctive. Every tree is unique in its contours, grains and colouring. This unique look can build character and add charm to your home design, with any additional touches, such as glass window panels, added by our team of craftsmen.

 

We also offer a bespoke service, meaning that we can produce products to fit your requirements.

Upgrading to Hardwood Doors

At Rural Timbers, we are a family business based just outside of Worcester and have been manufacturing since 1973. We offer beautiful handcrafted natural hardwood doors which are built to last. In addition to hardwood doors and windows, we also offer beautiful hardwood orangeries and conservatories to extend your home and enjoy your garden more.

 

For more information on hardwood doors or to request a quote, call our team today on 01905 841199.

Winter Checks for Timber Windows

Winter Checks for Timber Windows

Bespoke timber windows not only provide a wonderful finishing touch to your home, when hand made to your exact specifications from high quality, sustainably sourced woods, they also provide a solution that will last for many, many years, providing you treat them with a little care when necessary.

At Rural Timber Window Company, we craft all timber windows from woods that are not only taken from sustained forests, but also naturally resistant to wood rot, for example, Oak, Sapele and Accoya. We also finish timber with environmentally friendly water based paints or stains to achieve the finish of your choice, whilst also protecting the wood, allowing it to breathe, and to last for years and years.

Potential problems to look out for

Whether your windows are newly installed or a few years old, with winter fast approaching, it’s always advisable to carry out a few winter checks to make sure your windows stay protected in the coldest months.

The start of  Autumn is always a good time to make winter checks on all wooden window frames, helping you to carry out any maintenance if necessary, before winter sets in. The most important things to look out for are any signs that a window is letting moisture in. Look for signs of:

  • Water leaking continually onto a window – whilst wood paints and stains help to protect windows, a constant flow of water onto the window can cause damage over time, so it’s important to find the source of water and repair it.
  • Cracks in the wood – cracks allow water to get into the wood, causing damage to the internal material of your window frames, which can extend into the interior of your home.
  • Peeling paint – peeling paint suggests that water is getting underneath the paint surface and damaging the wood beneath.

Water very quickly causes damage to any material that it is able to penetrate, so these checks are very important for helping make sure your timber window frames last for years to come.

When checking your windows for potential water damage, you can make sure all locks are working properly, all seals are intact, and that there is no movement around joints that could let draughts and moisture into your home.

Painting wooden windows

Just because timber frames are painted and treated when they are installed, this does not mean that they won’t need a new coat of paint or wood stain every few years to help keep the wood in great condition. It’s always advisable to check on the condition of your windows every five years or less. Should the paint be peeling off in places, or the stain fading, it’s advisable to repaint your windows to prevent any damages.

Bespoke timber windows in Worcestershire and surrounding counties

If you are looking for a versatile, bespoke and durable window frame solution for your home, then timber windows could be the perfect choice for you.

For more information on timber windows in all styles, please contact Rural Timber Window Company by calling 01905 841199.

Why to Choose Timber Bi-Fold Doors for Your Patio

Why to Choose Timber Bi-Fold Doors for Your Patio

 Your doors are the portals to your home. They should make a statement about your home style and security, while greeting visitors with a warm welcome. Timber Bi-Fold Doors are made with a series of panels which slide across to open, similar to a concertina. This stylish addition to your patio can be perfect on summer days to allow the fresh air to circulate your property.

Explore the benefits of choosing Timber Bi-Fold Doors for your patio below:

Benefits of Timber Bi-Fold Doors

Many people choose to have a mostly glass design for their patio Timber Bi-Fold Doors, as this can really open up a space. It also allows you to have a clear view from outside, to enjoy throughout the hot summers, auburn autumns and snowy winters.

 

These large windows will also allow more natural light to shine through and create the illusion of a larger living area. It can also elevate a space during garden parties, making it easy for large numbers of guests to navigate throughout the outdoor and indoor areas.

Unlike traditional doors which open into the living space, Timber Bi-Fold Doors will fold neatly to the side. Thereby taking up minimal space and providing a tidy door solution.

Why Choose Timber

Timber is a natural material, favourably used in construction because of its durability and sustainability. In addition, it is energy efficient, a great insulator for homes and uses less energy to work with, in comparison to other building materials. Timber is also very easy to work with, as it can be cut and shaped to fit most construction plans, making it a versatile material.

 

The natural, clean and sharp look of Timber can also frame doors nicely and blend in with most home designs. Being durable also means it requires minimal maintenance, to keep the rear of your home looking great at all times.

Why Upgrade Your Doors Now

During lockdown, many of us have splashed out on decorating supplies to clean up our home interiors. With newly hung wallpaper and fresh coats of paint, why not consider the bigger picture? New doors can transform a space and improve room insulation dramatically.

 

If your doors are beginning to look tired, are quite old fashioned in design or are too weak to provide reliable home security, upgrade with Timber Bi-Fold Doors. The perfect way to elevate your home with a modern design and long lasting material.

Enquiring about Timber Bi-Fold Doors

At Rural Timber Window Company Limited we are dedicated to providing specialist bespoke joinery services to homes and businesses across the Midlands. With a customer focused service, environmental awareness and a drive to achieve perfection, our team is here to help. Browse our range of joinery services and call 01905 841199 to receive your quote!

A brief history of French Doors

A brief history of French Doors

 

 

Whether you call them French windows or French doors, there is actually very little French about the origins of this type of opening.  It is widely believed that the earliest examples of French doors originated in Italy, Greece and Rome, and that the fact they are named ‘French doors’ or windows is more due to the fact they were popular in 17th Century France, inspired as a result of their victories in the Italian Wars, and therefore exposure to Renaissance design and architecture.

What do we mean by Renaissance design?

The Renaissance was a period between the 14th and 16th centuries in Europe, and the design and architecture of this time is very much inspired by the ancient Romans and Greeks.  It pays homage to the design features we would associate with the Romans, such as geometry, symmetry, columns, lintels and arches.

How did the Renaissance period influence window design?

During the Renaissance period, windows became high and rectangular.  They often featured balconies, so perhaps this was the start of windows doubling up as doors.

Windows were often set within semi circular arches and predominantly, they were used to bring light into a building and architecture as a whole.

Upon their return from the Italian Wars, the French took inspiration from these Renaissance designs, and they became a popular architectural feature across France.  They added their own spin to the design, by incorporating multiple panes of glass held by mullions.

French windows continued to grow in popularity through the Baroque period, as the windows became doors – used externally and internally to give not only the practicality of an opening but to allow plenty of natural light to penetrate the building.

How have French Doors evolved

French windows are generally considered to be narrower than doors, so the products that we find widely available today are French Doors.  Traditionally, they would have been made from wood and iron, though many today are uPVC, which loses some of the aesthetic appeal.

Find out more about French Doors and Windows from Rural Timbers

If you would like to bring the charm, natural light and Renaissance styling of French Doors to your home please speak to our team at Rural Timbers.  We combine expert craftsmanship with high quality sustainable wood products to produce bespoke French Doors and Windows to suit the style of your home.

Please call us on 01905 841199 or click here to email us with your enquiry, we look forward to speaking with you about your ideas and requirements.

 

Why Choose a Timber Conservatory

Why Choose a Timber Conservatory?

Conservatories have long been a popular solution for home extensions in Worcestershire and throughout the UK. Whilst the majority of modern conservatories feature uPVC frames, in recent years, we have experienced an increased demand for timber conservatories as people look for craftsmanship and more sustainable solutions.

If you are looking to add a conservatory to your home, there will be many considerations to make, certainly in terms of style and material. Here we will discuss the key advantages of timber framed conservatories over the modern uPVC alternative.

Aesthetics

There is no doubt that there is an aesthetic appeal of timber conservatories over uPVC conservatories. The natural grains of hardwood add texture, and a timeless style and elegance to home extensions. Whilst some modern uPVC frames feature a wooden effect, they cannot compare to the real thing.

There are many different timbers suitable for conservatory frames, and with water based paints and stains, many different colours are available for a natural, but stylish and luxurious look.

If you live in a period property, or a more traditional home, it’s also important to consider that a timber conservatory is more sympathetic and complementary to the overall aesthetics of your home, when compared with modern uPVC frames.

Bespoke

Whilst uPVC framed conservatories are available in different period styles, including Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian, wooden conservatories can be shape to your liking, allowing for much more flexibility in the final design of your conservatory. Crafted by expert joiners, a timber conservatory is completely bespoke.

Environmentally friendly

As consumers, we are certainly becoming more environmentally conscious, so evironmentally friendly materials and manufacturing methods are a key consideration when choosing a new conservatory.

Hardwood timber conservatories are certainly much better for the environment as they are made from a natural, biodegradable material. In contrast, uPVC is harmful to the environment as the manufacturing processes required to produce uPVC emit dangerous carbon emissions, and the material is not biodegradable once it is discarded.

It’s important to consider that timber is quite the opposite and has carbon benefits. Living wood absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, growing as a result of sunlight and rainfall. Even during the preparation for wood to be used in construction, it doesn’t require intensive treatment or fossil fuels.

Sustainable materials

As well as being environmentally friendly, timber is also a sustainable material. Timber frames are reusable, recyclable and biodegradable and at Rural Timber Window Company, we use only woods that are taken from a completely sustainable forests.

Durability

Consider that wood is still used in constructing foundations and support beams for homes, even in 2020. High quality timber is a highly strong, durable, long-lasting material. At Rural Timber Window Company, we use woods that are naturally resistant to rot, for example, Oak, Sapele and Accoya.

In general, uPVC conservatories have a life expectancy of around 30 years, depending on how well they are maintained. In contrast, timber conservatories can last for as long as 100 years and they are easy to maintain.

Timber Conservatories and Orangeries

To enquire about a timber conservatory for your home, please contact Worcester based Rural Timber Window Company today. With decades of experience, our skilled craftsmen will deliver fantastic bespoke joinery services that will exceed your expectations.

Call today on 01905 841199, or contact us online.

 

 

5 of the best reasons to invest in a bespoke timber door for your property

5 of the best reasons to invest in a bespoke timber door for your property

Example of a bespoke timber door from Rural Timber based in Worcester

The frontage of your home provides the ultimate opportunity to express your sense of style and personal choices.  From the design of your windows to the paint colour and type of front door, these are the first things people see when they come to your house, so use them to make a statement and a great first impression.  One of the most noticeable elements of your property frontage is the door, and one of the best choices you can make to showcase your own sense of style and elevate your exterior is a bespoke timber door.

Here we explain our top 5 reasons for investing in a bespoke hardwood door for your home:

Timber doors are the long lasting choice

If looked after properly, timber doors can last for a considerable time, perhaps sixty years or longer.  If your hardwood door has been treated with specialist paints or stains it will also have additional protection against the elements, to help prevent warping.

This durable choice means that your investment is a wise one, as once replaced, your timber door will most likely outlast your time living at that address and be ready to serve the new tenants after you have moved house.

Classic and timeless design

Trends come and go, but wood never goes out of fashion.  Hardwood doors are a classic choice for your property frontage and whilst everything else around it, such as paint colours, may be subject to fashionable changes, the solid wood door will stand as a timeless feature, complementing any scheme.

Excellent insulating properties

In addition to their aesthetic charm, timber doors also offer excellent insulating properties.  They can help to keep the heat in during the winter months and out during summer.  Solid wooden doors also offer improved security properties compared to flimsy composite doors or those which feature a lot of glass.

Made to measure

By selecting a door manufacturer that offers bespoke options, you can have your solid timber front door made to measure, ensuring a perfect fit. You can choose the style and wood to best fit your property and the shade of stain and door furniture that will best compliment your exterior decor.

Limited environmental impact

As a natural resource, wood is an excellent choice for those looking to limit their environmental impact.  New trees can be planted to ensure that wood continues to be sustainable, and as solid wood doors don’t need to be replaced as often as other alternatives, this adds to their green credentials.

Bespoke Timber Doors from Rural Timbers

At Rural Timbers we specialise in creating bespoke timber doors and windows to complement a wide range of properties.  Our timber doors are made from the highest quality oak, sapele or accoya in traditional or contemporary styles, to accommodate the age and style of your home.  To find out more or to request a quote please call us on 01905 841199 or click here for more information.

 

 

What to Consider When Restoring a Period Property

What to Consider When Restoring a Period Property

At Rural Timber Window Company, we are passionate about preserving period properties and traditional craftsmanship. If you are looking to restore and renovate a heritage building, our expert team are on hand to walk you through the most important considerations you should be making.

Preservation of original features

Period features such as timber windows, doors and conservatories are key to defining and celebrating the heritage of a period property. As a result, when you are looking to make restorations, preserving these original features is absolutely essential to keep the character of the building. Should traditional sash or casement windows require replacing, they should be replaced with new bespoke timber windows to maintain character, whilst improving security and energy efficiency.

Choose suitable materials

Any changes designed to compliment the heritage of a period property should make use of suitable materials that are in fitting with the existing architecture and features. Whilst uPVC solutions with ‘wood effect’ are widely available, they are not in keeping with the rest of a period building. It’s important to source quality timber materials to properly restore a heritage home.

At Rural Timber, we are dedicated to using sustainably sourced timbers including oak, accoya and sapele.

Legalities

Before making any major changes to a heritage building, it’s important to consider any potential planning restrictions. Period properties may have strict conservation regulations in place, designed to protect the heritage of a building.

Specialist tradesmen

When carrying out any restoration work on a period property, be sure to use specialist tradesmen, with experience in working on heritage buildings. Specialist craftsmen have gained the experience, knowledge and attention to detail necessary to work cautiously and sympathetically with older buildings.

For historically accurate representations of bespoke timber windows, doors and other examples of joinery, it’s always necessary to call in the experts.

Get in touch with Rural Timber Window Company

Rural Timber Window Company have been pairing modern technology with traditional craftsmanship since 1973. We create specialist bespoke joinery for homeowners and contractors, adding traditional design elements to modern buildings, as well as caringly restoring period properties, throughout Worcestershire and the neighbouring counties.

 

To discuss your renovation project, or to ask any questions about timber windows and doors for period properties, please call us on 01905 841199 or email us here.

 

 

A History of Wooden Bay Windows

A History of Wooden Bay Windows

 

At Rural Timber Window Company, we handcraft bespoke timber framed windows to suit all styles of property. From traditional designs, through to simplistic and modern windows, we will work to your specification. For all window projects, we believe in traditional timber joinery, combined with modern technology to provide a beautiful solution that will last for many years.

As we regularly work on projects for traditional and heritage properties, it’s important that we do our historical research. In this blog, we will look at the history of wooden bay windows.

The origins of bay windows

A bay window is a window that projects out from the main walls of a building, forming a recess compartment, known as a bay. The word ‘bay’ itself comes from the French word ‘baee’, meaning opening. Wooden timber windows are formed by three or more windows that protrude beyond the exterior wall, creating a compartment.

The origins of bay windows date back to the English Renaissance period, stretching between the late 15th and early 17th centuries. In this time, bay windows were typically found in grand houses and mansions, often at the end of great halls where Lords would receive guests. During the Renaissance period, bay windows often extended from the exterior wall without touching the ground.

During the Gothic era, bays were frequently found in chapels and churches to allow for people to take private worship. By the Victorian era, it was a common feature for homes built at the time to feature bay windows on both lower and higher storeys. Bays have continued to be a popular architectural feature ever since.

Bay or Bow?

Whereas bay windows will usually form an angular square or rectangular, or half-hexagonal or octagonal compartment, bow windows differ in shape, providing a curved, rounded compartment. Bow windows will also usually feature more windows than traditional bay windows; as many as six windows may be used. Given the curved shape and larger number of windows used to form bow windows, they are generally wider than bay windows and do not protrude as far.

The benefits of bespoke bay windows

Bay windows provide a stylish focal point for any home and help let plenty of light into a room. In terms of interior benefits, bay windows help increase the floor space in a room, providing further storage space, or even room for a seat to sit on and enjoy the outdoors.

At Rural Timber Window Company, our experienced joiners manufacture timber bay windows using only sustainable wood products, combined with a selection of double glazing or safety glass options for insulation, safety and security. We also have considerable experience with heritage buildings, so you can rest assured that we will provide bespoke timber windows to that are sympathetic to the heritage and architecture of your property.

For a quote on wooden bay windows for your property, please contact us online.