Even with the availability of metal and composite materials for windows and doors, the proven reliability and classic elegance of wood sustain it as a top choice for homeowners, builders and designers.
Kolbe Windows & Doors draws from generations of experience in quality woodworking and carefully crafted products. We understand that today’s wood windows and doors are more than just visually striking; they combine modern performance with sustainability and can be customized to enhance any home design. Let’s explore the advantages and options wood offers and find your ideal selection.
In window or door construction, wood can play a crucial and visible role in several key components:
- Frame – Composed of the jamb on top and sides, and the sill on the bottom, the frame forms the primary structure of wood window construction. Wood door construction also may feature a threshold on the bottom.
- Sash or panel – Wood window manufacturers refer to the inner section of the window holding the glass as the sash. These can open and close, or they can be fixed in place. The sash make-up includes vertical stiles on the sides and horizontal rails on the top and bottom. Replicating the look of historic wood windows, muntin grids can be added to the glass for a divided lite design.
- Instead of using the term "sash," wood door manufacturers typically call the inner section of the door a panel. This also is composed of rails and stiles, and it may hold glass lites or wood inserts. Muntin grids can complement homes with traditional architectural styles, reminiscent of historic wood doors.
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- Interior, exterior or both – Many of us want wood on our room-side interiors but may consider an alternative material for our exteriors. Windows and doors can be crafted entirely of wood or with wood interiors and finished, extruded aluminum-clad exteriors. You also can select different finish colors for the interior and exterior surfaces of many custom wood doors and windows.
Wood is more than just a superficial pretty face; it’s a strong, practical, functional hard worker. Here’s why wood remains a smart material choice for windows and doors:
- Strength – Wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means it can support substantial loads without being overly heavy itself. This makes wood ideal for large window and door applications where structural integrity is crucial.
- Resilience – Naturally non-conductive, wood resists electrical currents when properly dried, adding safety and durability to window and door construction. Unlike some materials, wood doesn’t warp or weaken when exposed to heat. These inherent properties keep it stable even in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
- Insulation – Wood provides sound insulation and absorption, reducing noise transmission and creating a quieter indoor environment. Wood also provides excellent thermal insulation, helping maintain interior comfort and reducing energy costs by minimizing heat transfer.
- Sustainability – Wood is an inherently renewable resource, especially when it’s responsibly harvested. Offering sustainably sourced wood, Kolbe Windows & Doors has earned the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain-of-Custody Certification. This ensures that the wood comes from well-managed forests and can be tracked from the forest to your door or window. FSC-certified wood also can contribute toward sustainability-oriented certifications, such as LEED® for Homes. (FSC® license code FSC®-C019541)
- Wood byproducts, like chips and shavings generated during construction of windows and doors, can be repurposed in various ways, minimizing waste. They are also biodegradable.
- Wood windows, doors and related componentry can be repaired and maintained for extended use, often lasting generations. Wood window restoration can renew frames, sash and glazing for a revitalized look and smoother operation. Wood door restoration may replace stiles, rails and panels for similar aesthetic and functional goals.
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When selecting wood for windows and doors, choosing the right species can be overwhelming and challenging. Consider these important factors:
- Hardwood vs. softwood – Hardwoods like oak and mahogany are typically denser, durable and distinctive, while softwoods like pine and cedar are lighter yet still reliable—and very common as building materials.
- Stiffness and density – These qualities affect how well the wood holds its shape and withstands wear. A more flexible, less dense wood will be easier to form. A stiffer, denser wood will be well-suited for rigorous use or extreme climates.
- Textured patterns – Some wood species have a clean, uniform appearance with linear grains, while others display complex, swirling grains and knots of varied shapes and colors.
- Color and staining – Natural coloration varies widely by species and can be enhanced with stains or coated with paints.
- Availability – Hardwoods and rare, exotic wood species usually have longer lead times. Softwoods like pine and fir are more readily available.
Popular wood species for windows and doors include:
- Pine – Widely available and easy to work with, it takes paints and stains excellently.
- Maple – Known for its fine grain and strength, maple offers a clean, modern appearance.
- Alder – Light and slightly rustic, alder works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
- Fir – Stable and straight-grained, fir is one of the hardest softwoods and a favorite for outdoor use.
- Cedar – Naturally resistant to decay and insects, cedar is another ideal species for exterior use.
- Cherry – The rich, warm tone and fine grain of cherry darkens with age.
- Oak – Strong and highly durable, oak is a classic choice for traditional designs.
- Mahogany – A premium option, mahogany is widely recognized for its beauty and long-lasting durability.
- Sapele – Similar to mahogany, sapele showcases a striking ribbon grain pattern.
- Walnut – Luxurious and dark, walnut adds a touch of sophistication to any home.
For snapshots of each of these species, visit our Style & Design page on Wood Species.
The final look of a wood window or door depends on the lumber’s grain and the cutting methods used on the timber. These key terms will help you decipher the available options:
Main grain types include:
- Vertical grain – Perpendicular to the length of the board, it presents a clean, uniform look.
- Flat grain – Running parallel to the long face of the board, it creates a wider, more varied pattern.
- Mixed grain – Combining vertical and flat grains, this delivers a unique appearance.
Primary wood cutting methods include:
- Plain sawn – Planks are cut parallel to the log length, rotating 90 degrees after each woodcut. This is the most common and efficient method for the largest yield. It results in a “cathedral” grain pattern with a narrow arch at the center of the plank.
- Quarter sawn – Planks are live sawn from quarters of the log to produce a “striped” vertical grain. This is a less accessible option due to the lower yield.
- Rift sawn – Planks are cut perpendicular to the growth rings for a neat, vertical grain pattern. Because of the lower yield and smaller resulting sizes, this is a premium cut option.
- Live sawn – Planks are cut parallel to the log’s length without changing the rotation or direction. This captures the wood’s natural characteristics while minimizing waste.
Today—as we have been for ages—we are drawn in by wood’s inherent aesthetics. We touch its grain, sense its link to our natural environment, and feel a deeper connection with our exterior surroundings even when we are indoors. Homes and spaces designed with this intention not only use natural materials like wood, but also incorporate patterns, colors and textures inspired by plants, animals and organic elements. As we also are part of this living world, these natural, biophilic cues have a familiar, grounded quality that comforts and calms us.
Each piece of wood is unique—no two trees or planks are exactly alike. Their wood can be shaped and crafted in highly detailed ways using hand tools and machinery. Stains and paints present an unlimited palette for custom wood windows and doors. Wood is a continuously adaptable, future-proof material. The surface can be refined, renovated and restored with new colors and finishes personalized to match the style of the individual, the home and the era.
For more than a millennia, wood has been the material of choice to frame our views. As early as 1066, buildings used wood-framed openings to welcome in the light and to look outside. By the mid-19th century, wood windows, millwork and moldings were commercially available.
Since 1946, Kolbe Windows & Doors has kept wood craftsmanship alive, customizing its windows and doors with superior quality and attention to detail, while integrating modern performance and innovation.
Wood should not be overlooked as simple or archaic. Wood offers a living legacy, connected to nature and history. Capable of intricate customization, it remains relevant today. Wood windows and doors bring warmth and character to traditional, contemporary and modern spaces alike. Whether you’re restoring a historic space with replacement windows and doors or building new with custom designs, wood’s versatility, performance, sustainability and beauty make it a smart and lasting choice.