uPVC versus wooden windows

I'm converting a small barn in Donegal into a home office, with one large window and an outside door.

The accepted wisdom—at least online—is that uPVC windows are the best. I happen to like the look and feel of natural materials and don't mind having to maintain wood once a year. I don't like the look of plastic.

I got a quote for wood from a well-respected small joinery in Donegal and one for uPVC from a large firm in Munster. The price for a teak window and door actually came in cheaper than plastic!

My builder thinks I'm crazy for even considering wood and says he hasn't fitted a wooden window in twenty years. From the little bit of research I've done, wood is a better insulator and it also lasts longer than uPVC. It also looks better.

Am I wasting money on wood or would I be better off with PVC?

Go with the wood. We have wood window and door frames and have not yet had to maintain them - they are in 9 years now! As you say, the wood looks better.

Glad to hear that Ceist Beag! Many thanks.

This post will be deleted if not edited immediately i wouldnt even consider Upvc, if wood is cheaper its a no brainer,

plastic on a barn, no thanks

I would definitely agree with you Blackrock1.

Go with the wood and my advice to you is go with cedar wood if possible.

noproblem, I'm going for wood all right but it's going to be teak, which is also hard-wearing and durable.
Thank you to everyone for your advice.

Your choice.

pingin said:

but it's going to be teak

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If you're paying teak prices, make sure it's teak you're getting. Many places selling inferior species as teak these days.

noproblem, I did a bit of research and found that cedar is quite a soft wood. While the colour is attractive, the window and door need to be strong as they're facing into Atlantic gales and rain.

Thanks for the suggestion Leo. I'm going with a well-respected small local supplier, so quality should be guaranteed. I'll double-check nonetheless!

Wood windows can look fantastic but they will need maintenance over the years. Mostly the lower outside part can be bleached by the sun and will lose colour over time.

john luc said:

Wood windows can look fantastic but they will need maintenance over the years. Mostly the lower outside part can be bleached by the sun and will lose colour over time.

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Like I alluded to above, this maintenance is overplayed by those selling alternatives to wood. As I said, ours are in 9 years and no maintenance required yet, they still look as good as they did the day they were installed.