Timber Vs Aluminium For Specifiers: Performance, Sustainability, and Design

Choosing the right window material for your trade projects isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about delivering performance, meeting sustainability targets, and providing genuine long-term value for your clients.

When it comes to choosing the best material for your next project, the debate between timber vs aluminium windows is one that trade installers, developers, and architects face regularly.

This guide breaks down the key differences between timber and aluminium window frames to help you make an informed decision.

Timber vs aluminium windows: performance

Thermal efficiency

When it comes to thermal performance, timber holds an advantage as a natural insulator. Unlike aluminium, which conducts heat and requires thermal break technology to prevent energy loss, timber inherently resists heat transfer.

Modern aluminium windows have certainly improved through the integration of thermal breaks—insulating barriers that separate the internal and external aluminium frames—bringing their performance closer to timber.

However, whilst both materials can now meet UK building regulations, timber offers a distinct edge: it delivers exceptional thermal efficiency whilst maintaining slimmer, more authentic profiles.

Aluminium frames require additional engineering and deeper sections to accommodate thermal breaks, which can compromise the aesthetics, particularly in period properties or conservation areas.

Our range of timber windows achieve U-values from 1.3 W/m²K with standard double glazing—7% better than 2023 Part L regulations—without sacrificing the traditional proportions and visual appeal that many projects demand. This means you get superior energy efficiency and aesthetic authenticity in one solution, rather than having to compromise one for the other.

Weather performance and longevity

Quality windows must withstand British weather for decades. Bereco timber windows undergo annual testing audited by third-party certification body Bluesky Certification, covering weather performance, security, and manufacturing standards.

With proper factory finishing, timber window frames offer a lifespan of up to 60+ years—backed by a 30-year warranty on the timber itself and a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. With modern factory finishing, wooden frames require minimal maintenance: occasional cleaning and inspection, with only periodic redecoration required based on exposure, rather than intensive upkeep.

Aluminium frames, whilst low maintenance, can suffer from thermal expansion issues and corrosion over time, particularly in coastal locations. Powder coating can degrade, requiring eventual refinishing. While timber windows can often last for generations with proper maintenance, aluminium windows need replacing after 20-30 years.

Timber vs aluminium windows: sustainability

Environmental impact is increasingly important for specifiers working on sustainable builds.

Timber is a naturally renewable material. When responsibly sourced from well-managed forests, timber represents a sustainable resource that regenerates over time. In contrast, aluminium requires energy-intensive extraction and processing.

Whilst aluminium is recyclable—and the industry rightly promotes this benefit—recycling doesn’t eliminate the initial environmental cost of production. Timber, by contrast, starts as a renewable resource that offers a long service life (60+ years with Bereco products), and remains biodegradable at end of life.

All Bereco timber is FSC® 100% or 100% PEFC Certified, providing complete traceability back to forests certified as sustainably managed by internationally recognised institutions. This certification isn’t just a badge—it’s essential documentation for projects targeting BREEAM, Home Quality Mark, or other green building standards. For developers and contractors working on environmentally conscious developments, this level of verified sustainable sourcing makes specification straightforward and compliant.

Timber vs aluminium windows: aesthetics

Design flexibility

Both materials offer customisation, but timber provides unmatched warmth and natural beauty that suits a wider range of architectural styles.

Timber offers:

• Bespoke designs, shapes and finer details like sash horns and mouldings
• Historically accurate customisation options for heritage homes
• Thousands of paint finishes and stain options (including single or dual colour finishes)
• Multiple bar designs and ironmongery styles
• 10 metal accent finishes for handles and stays

While aluminium offers many customisation options through powder coating colours and profile choices, timber windows provide truly bespoke design flexibility.

Timber can be crafted in any shape, size, or specification needed, making it the ideal choice for unique architectural details or non-standard openings that demand complete design freedom. For period properties and conservation areas, timber is also often the only acceptable material that meets planning requirements whilst delivering modern performance.

Do wooden window frames require regular maintenance?

Modern wooden window frames with factory-applied finishes require minimal upkeep—just occasional cleaning and maintenance rather than regular redecoration. Bereco timber comes with a 10-year warranty on finishes, meaning wood windows are far more durable than many people assume.

Are timber frames more expensive than aluminium windows?

Timber frames have a higher initial cost than aluminium windows, but offer distinct advantages in longevity, aesthetic appeal, and energy ratings. When considering long term value and reduced energy costs over a 60+ year lifespan, wooden windows prove cost-effective for quality home improvements.

Bereco’s timber window range

For trade installers working on new builds, renovations, extensions, or conversions, timber windows are the best option for delivering quality, performance, and value.

Whether your project requires period-appropriate sash windows for conservation areas, high-performance casement windows for new developments, or contemporary designs with large glazed areas, timber offers the flexibility and performance modern projects demand whilst respecting traditional building methods.

Our window range includes flush casement, lipped casement, sliding sash, and tilt & turn, covering everything from heritage restorations to contemporary new builds.

Each window can be customised with mouldings and glazing bars to match specific architectural details, whilst handles, stays, and fastenings are available in various styles and finishes.

All windows come with factory-applied finishes that last, eliminating the need for on-site painting and ensuring consistent, durable colour coverage from day one.

Why choose Bereco for your trade projects

With decades experience, Bereco has become a leading supplier of premium timber windows and doors to housebuilders, developers, contractors, and housing associations across the UK.

What sets Bereco apart:

Guaranteed lead times: 6-8 week delivery, all year round. Keep your project on schedule without delays.

Best price promise: All quotes include our maximum discounts first time. No need to negotiate or request better pricing.

Dedicated support: Technical Project Managers guide you through building regulations, provide CAD drawings, and finalise specifications.

State-of-the-art manufacturing: Modern techniques combined with traditional craftsmanship deliver unmatched quality and finish.

97% recommendation rate: Our customers return because we deliver exceptional products and professional service.

Complete service: From initial consultation through to delivery with mechanical offloading as standard, plus aftercare support through to occupancy.

Get your free trade quote today: contact Bereco

Ready to find the perfect timber windows for your next project? The Bereco trade team is fully versed in new dwelling construction, renovation projects, British standards, and current UK building regulations.

To ensure an accurate quotation, get in touch with your project details, drawings, and specifications:

Complete our online contact form, call us on 01709 838188 or email info@bereco.co.uk. Our experienced team is on hand to offer help and guidance throughout your order and beyond.