Chris Bates takes a look at the key design and specification options that will help you add character and style to your home’s fenestration

Selecting windows and doors is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make on your project. These elements not only make up a huge proportion of your home’s architectural aesthetic, but they’re vital for bringing in light, providing natural ventilation and connecting indoors and out. And they need to do all of that while promoting good energy performance and security.

Wood-framed options are incredibly popular among self builders, renovators and home extenders - and for good reason. They combine the innate charm of textural timber with impressive insulation qualities and design flexibility. In fact, you can specify them for everything from wow-factor picture windows through to wide spans of sliding doors and fabulous entrances. And you can access all of that in engineered softwood, statement-making hardwood and a huge array of painted and stained finishes.

What’s more, many suppliers offer an all-in-one package for your project. So you can source your timber windows, doors and installation service from one company - giving you peace of mind, should anything go awry, that you’re dealing with a single point of contact.

Windows

Engineered softwood is a popular, durable and costeffective option for new or replacement installations. Today’s versions use slow-grown treated timber to deliver an impressive lifespan, similar to hardwood, while typically offering better U-values than their aluminium counterparts.