Why we use Accoya wood for our timber windows - Part 1

On the surface, one window looks much like another doesn't it? However there are big differences between a good window and a bad window. If you are considering timber windows, its important to understand the differences in order to make the right choice. In this Part 1, we focus on the importance of the type of timber, and in Part 2 we go on to explain why we use Accoya wood.

[@barkebaat]

I'm a Norwegian Woodworker (I've got a substack!) and this is one of the most truthful woodworking videos I've seen in a long time. I agree with every point you make. I've made and copied all sorts of windows and doors these last thirty years, and have come to exactly the same conclusions you have. As they say: Great minds think alike :-) There is a lot to learn by studying where and how older stuff failed. In Norway we often use 'tight' & 'fat' pine for windows, and they can easily last 100 years if well made.
This is the first video of yours that I've stumbled across, but I like what I see of the shop in the background: Looks like someone who takes their business seriously. I'll subscribe and be back for more -- I can learn things here!

[@JayG2K]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@JohnnyMotel99]

I'm not a rep for Rationel, but I have seen their products in use and still performing well after 20 years. How do they achieve this kind of performance? I believe they use softwoods.
Also what about laminated timber construction?

[@flatwall4569]

last 5 seconds of the vid he finally talks about what the title says he would

[@omohammadi7509]

Just curious, how does Accoya compare to thermowoods?

[@adriansams6066]

If there wasn't a cartel operating in the UK which restrict the supply of Accoya more people would use it. They restrict the supply which keeps the price at a premium. I enjoyed the video but I think you are being a bit bias. By the way Accoya is not a "green" enviormentally friendly timber, the carbon footprint that timber travels from harvesting to processing to customer is horrific. European Oak can and does last for well over 100yrs and the jury is out as to whether Accoya will last as long. It's also brittle and can be damaged far easier than Oak. You repeated that Oak joints on the old doors had opened up due to the Oak not being stable which again is only part of the story. How often was the old doors maintained and I've seen some very poorly made Oak doors which moved not because of the oak be "unstable" but due to poor construction techniques. I do use Accoya for certain jobs like Bi-folds etc but as I say the cost if ridiculous.

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Thanks for your comment Adrian and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.👍
It is true that the raw material travels a long distance for processing which I agree is not ideal, however there are a lot of factors that contribute to environmental impact. Oak is a great timber, and as you say is more dense than Accoya making it good at resisting impact damage but making it less good thermal insulator.
As with everything, there are a multitude of differing factors and circumstances, and no single right answer. What I presented in the video is just based on observations both mine and from my customers, over a long period of time.

[@adriansams6066]

@@andrewjaynes9671 Hi Andrew and thanks for the reply. As I mentioned , more people would use it if it was reasonably priced but when you have a cartel who restrict the supply it will always be a niche product . The UK Govt should open up the market to allow other companies to import the product or release similar products. I do think much of the advertising about Accoya is misleading with regards to it being a "green product"..Thanks again for replying. All the best.. Adrian.