Wood choice is crucial to crafting high-quality timber windows and doors. At Gowercroft Joinery, we’re often asked if we use Oak. The answer is no. There’s a common misconception that Oak is the gold standard for all things wood. While it may be a popular choice for furniture, when it comes to the great outdoors, Oak falls short.
Our mission is simple: to create windows and doors that are not only beautiful but also stand the test of time with minimal maintenance. That’s why we carefully select the timber we use, ensuring it meets our high standards for durability, sustainability, and performance. After all, happy customers are at the heart of everything we do, and that starts with choosing the right materials. This is where Accoya comes into play.
Accoya vs. Oak: Which is Better for Windows and Doors?
When it comes to choosing the best timber for your windows and doors, the decision often comes down to Accoya vs. Oak. Both timbers have their strengths, but they also come with different sets of challenges. Below is a handy comparison table that highlights the key differences between Accoya and Oak, helping you make an informed choice.
Handy Comparison Table
| Feature | Accoya | Oak |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | ✅ Class 1 (Very Durable) | ❌ Class 2 (Durable) |
| Dimensional Stability | ✅ Extremely Stable | ❌ Prone to Warping |
| Sustainability | ✅ Fast-Growing, 25-30 Years | ❌ Slow-Growing, 80-120 Years |
| Maintenance | ✅ Low Maintenance | ❌ Requires Regular Maintenance |
What Makes Accoya Unique?
If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of the Accoya tree, let us clear up the mystery: Accoya trees don’t exist. Accoya starts its life as a pine tree (Pinus radiata), grown in well-managed forests. This fast-growing pine reaches maturity after just 30 years, making it a sustainable option.
Through a process called acetylation, Accoya undergoes a transformation at the molecular level, resulting in timber that is incredibly durable and dimensionally stable. This process makes Accoya highly resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather conditions. It also ensures that Accoya won’t swell, shrink, or warp like other timbers, making it a standout choice for outdoor applications such as windows and doors. Classified as Class 1 (Very Durable), Accoya boasts a lifespan of up to 50 years above ground and 25 years below ground or in water—all without the need for painting or staining.
Comparison with Oak: Accoya vs. Oak
Durability: Oak, while strong and durable, is classified as Class 2 (Durable), which means it doesn’t quite match the longevity of Accoya. Oak is naturally resistant to decay, but in external applications like oak windows and doors, it requires more frequent maintenance to keep it from deteriorating. Accoya, on the other hand, can last over 50 years above ground with minimal maintenance, making it a more durable choice for exterior use.
Dimensional Stability: One of Oak’s significant drawbacks is its tendency to absorb moisture, which can lead to swelling, warping, and cracking, especially in damp or variable climates. This is particularly problematic for oak windows and doors where stability is essential for proper function. Accoya excels in this area, with its acetylation process ensuring that it remains dimensionally stable regardless of the weather conditions. This means that Accoya windows and doors retain their shape and function beautifully year after year.
Sustainability: Oak trees take 80 to 120 years to mature before they can be harvested, which raises concerns about the sustainability of using Oak in large quantities. While Oak can be sustainably sourced, its long growth cycle and the need for regular maintenance reduce its overall environmental benefits. In contrast, Accoya is sourced from fast-growing pine trees that mature in just 25 to 30 years, making it a more sustainable choice. Moreover, Accoya’s modification process is environmentally friendly, and its long lifespan means fewer replacements, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
Why Accoya is the Superior Choice
In the realm of timber selection for external applications like windows and doors, Accoya emerges as the clear leader due to its unparalleled durability, stability, and resistance to environmental factors. The advanced acetylation process not only extends the life of the wood but also ensures it remains aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound over decades of use.
While Oak has its merits, particularly for indoor applications, it simply cannot match the comprehensive benefits offered by Accoya for external use, which is why we use it for our Heritage and Frontier Ranges. The ability of Accoya to maintain its form and function with minimal maintenance, combined with its strong environmental credentials, makes it the optimal choice for discerning clients who seek both quality and sustainability. For those in pursuit of a timber solution that offers exceptional performance, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value, Accoya stands out as the superior choice.