Thread: which window sash timber?

Originally Posted by Knotaclue

Hi, I need to replace some window sashes in a typical Victorian/Edwardian casement window.

The originals were usually some type of pine? or sometimes oregon?..certainly a softwood.

I prefer not to use Hardwood or Cedar in this case

Any suggestons for a repacement timber..please? It will have a painted finish.

Is Laser-cut pine ( grooved & without knots ) ..then dressed..OK?
Is finger-jointed dressed, primed Treated pine suitable?..given that a glass pane provides strength when ( siliconed ) fitted.

I have Tablesaw/thicknesser/router table/jointer..so I can rebate and mould styles& rails in period style. I will probably use loose tenons and a strong (polyurethane or epoxy) glue.

Any advice appreciated
Thanks
Bob

If I was in your position having all the machinery to straighten out and dress the timbers all round, I'd go to a demolition yard and select framing timbers salvaged from old homes. They're eucalypts, very hard and seasoned. Since you are painting them, you can fill nail holes with an external sealer and they're brand new again. I have used these types of timbers before for window casings, awning windows and skirtings and cannot fault them as long as they are sound (no cracks or rotting) and straight.
Very cheap too.

Cheers, Evan