Wood Windows vs. Wood-Aluminum Windows

Hello everyone,

our architect has pointed out to us that there might be a considerable saving potential if we choose wooden windows instead of the desired wood-aluminum ones. Of course, this also depends on the number and size of the windows. This is, of course, a luxury problem. The clear advantage of the wood-aluminum windows is, of course, the weather protection from the outside.

However, we could also very well get along with complete wooden windows, but somehow there are still concerns about what happens without the weather protection. On the other hand, my parents have had wooden windows for more than 30 years that have not even been treated and have been working wonderfully without any problems since then.

Who has experience in this field?

Who has experience in this field?

You know that - and probably also how to find my relevant posts here.

Our architect pointed out to us that there might be a not insignificant saving potential if we choose wooden windows instead of the desired wood-aluminum ones.

Oh yes, huge. Good wood-aluminum windows cost even more than aluminum "pure". However, unfortunately, there are also wood-aluminum windows offered that without the aluminum cladding would have weather resistance beyond good and evil (but then would be at PVC price level or close above - so cheaper than pure aluminum).

On the other hand, my parents have had wooden windows for more than 30 years that have never even been treated and have worked wonderfully ever since without problems.

Those were tropical wood qualities that today would no longer be chosen for ecological reasons. What is important to you about having wood on the inside?

You know that – and probably also how to find my relevant posts here.

Oh yes, gigantic. Good wood-aluminum windows cost even more than aluminum "pure." However, you are unfortunately also offered wood-aluminum windows which, without the aluminum cladding shell, would have weather resistance beyond good and evil (but would then be at PVC price level or slightly above – so cheaper than pure aluminum).

Those were tropical wood qualities that one would no longer choose today for ecological reasons. What is important to you about having wood on the inside?

Yes, I am now also aware that you know something about windows. I have also read some threads on this. However, in my opinion, this was particularly about wood-aluminum windows and not the direct comparison between wood and wood-aluminum. My question was specifically whether it is wrong to bet on the wood windows.

That we want wood on the inside actually has to do with personal taste and a preference for the material. We would have no objection to something more weather-resistant on the outside. However, my ears also perk up when I hear about possible additional costs. And it doesn’t seem so wrong to have pure wood windows, does it?

P.S. We are currently talking about just under 61 square meters of windows.

In my opinion, this was particularly about wood-aluminum windows and not the direct comparison of wood to wood-aluminum.

Yes, but you had already mentioned the aspect of the additional cost that you would like to keep under control. It was practically unavoidable to mention that recommended wood-aluminum qualities are even more expensive than pure aluminum. Aluminum has a price index of about 120 compared to PVC (list), wood-aluminum about 135. You can get PVC at the discount store with a price index of about 80 (discount through large quantities), pure aluminum is not available at discount prices, and wood-aluminum is also available cheaper (around 105) – but unfortunately not due to quantity discounts, rather due to lower quality. That means with wood-aluminum you are not doing yourself a favor where it is only moderately offered above PVC (list).

My question was specifically whether it is wrong to bet on the wooden windows.

I also meant to have answered that: Wood is actually a good window material, but: only in hard qualities. They wear down the tools faster, so unfortunately they have to be more expensive; and tropical woods are also well suited, but today the ecological view of those is different than forty years ago.

The reason we want wood on the inside is actually related to personal taste and the preference for the material.

I meant the demand in the direction of whether it is about the "You know, it feels like platinum" feeling, or more about the look. In the latter case, your friend in terms of price is that manufacturers of laminate surfaces nowadays conjure impressive fake surfaces. I also had to deal with that, because unfortunately aluminum cannot be veneered.

My improper suggestion could therefore be, for example, to use interior laminates in wood look, and constructively mixed the standard elements in PVC (with aluminum cladding shell if anthracite & co, otherwise also laminated) and the large and stress elements (especially front door and lift-and-slide doors, if applicable additional elements on the south side) in aluminum. Caution: many dealers do not have all the materials and then like to speak badly about the others!

Ok. I think it has arrived now. Wood-aluminum is very good as long as you have the right manufacturer and quality - it is expensive.

We currently have 500 €/sqm window area without windowsills for windows in the estimate. What do you think I can get for it currently?

Ok. I think it has gotten through now. Wood-aluminum is very good as long as you also have the right manufacturer and quality – that is expensive.

There are currently two types of suppliers especially for mostly high-quality materials: those who try to benefit from the good image of the material and at the same time grab customers who find prices for quality to be rip-offs. They then look at how they can – unfortunately at the expense of quality (but as invisibly as possible) – produce attractive prices. And those who uncompromisingly produce quality. This applied to us (in aluminum, as a manufacturer) and of course should also have applied to us where we would have included windows made of other profile materials in the sales program. For wood-aluminum, only the Pax AG was good enough for us – at reasonable prices, so also not at junk level there.

We currently have a quote of 500 €/sqm window area without window sills for windows. What do you think I could get for that currently?

Abstractly and generally speaking, you can’t say that. But I’d like to take a look at it specifically without obligation – you have enough posts to send a private message anyway.