If you’re thinking about replacing your sash windows, you may well come across Accoya wood in your research. Our guide to Accoya wood for doors and windows informs you all you need to know about this unique material. Covered here is where Accoya wood comes from, what it’s treated with, and a comprehensive list of its main features and benefits.
Plus, of course, why Accoya wood is the perfect choice when you want to invest in beautiful, long-lasting windows or doors.
What is Accoya Wood?
The first thing to know is that Accoya is a brand name, rather than the type of tree. The wood is specially treated to make it stronger and more durable. Accoya wood comes from radiata pine trees.
Also known as insignis pine or Monterey pine, the radiata pine is native to parts of Mexico and central California. Pinus radiata, to give it its scientific name, is today mostly grown in plantations. These evergreen pine trees are most commonly grown in Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
After harvesting, pinus radiata – or pinus insignis – is treated to make it as tough and long-lasting as possible. The raw material is transported to Accoya’s production facilities in the Netherlands. A modification process called acetylation then takes place.
Though, like other pines, it’s originally a soft wood, the treatment process strengthens the wood. Accoya wood has been treated with acetic anhydride, a derivative of acetic acid. The result of this processing is the most stable wood in the world.
The acetylation process is so effective because it alters the cell structure of the wood to make it tougher. Despite what you might expect, this process uses no toxic chemicals whatsoever.
Therefore, another important fact about Accoya wood is that it is non-toxic. There is thus no risk of humans or animals ingesting – or coming into contact with – toxic substances where Accoya wood is present.
Why Accoya wood is ideal for doors and windows
Durable
Once treated via acetylation, Accoya wood is incredibly robust, and therefore long-lasting. In fact, it can last for around 50 years above the ground (or around half that when used underground or in water). Accoya wood has class 1 durability, which makes it even tougher than other tropical hardwoods such as teak and redwood.
Sustainable
Accoya is a highly sustainable sort of wood, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The radiata pine trees it’s made from are fast-growing, which also makes each harvested tree quicker to replace. Accoya wood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
Simple preparation
Accoya wood requires less in the way of preparation than other types of timber. It tends to need less sanding and is easy to coat. This reduced preparation time leads to lower labour costs.
Minimal maintenance
Once treated, prepared and installed, Accoya wood windows are simple to maintain. The strength and durability of the wood means it needs very little in the way of upkeep. As the grain and fibres remain flat, Accoya wood frames require painting less often than other woods, saving you both time and money.
Rot-resistant
This type of treated wood is highly resistant to rotting, making it even more durable. It therefore decays far less over time than other woods. Accoya is also resistant to insect and moisture damage. Accoya wood windows therefore need replacing less often than those made from other sorts of soft or hard wood.
Less swelling and shrinking
As well as decay, Accoya wood is also very effective at resisting swelling and shrinkage. It thus remains very stable in a variety of climatic conditions. The fact that it swells and shrinks up to 75% less than other woods means it is easy to open your Accoya wood sash windows whenever you want to, all year round.
Natural beauty
Accoya wood is naturally lovely to look at. Its appearance is also easy to maintain over time, keeping Accoya wood windows looking good for longer. Every piece of Accoya wood is also unique, adding character to your home.
Thermal insulation
Accoya wood is also the superior choice when it comes to heat retention. This means it can help homeowners save on their heating bills.
Non-toxic
The natural wood plus acetylation process results in a completely non-toxic material, eliminating any of the usual risks posed by toxic chemicals.
Why Accoya Wood is a winner
It’s easy to see why strong, sustainable Accoya wood is the natural choice for windows and doors. It’s also often used for cladding and decking projects.
As well as being robust, eco-conscious, insulating, rot-resistant, and non-toxic, Accoya wood is simple to prepare and maintain. It’s also resistant to swelling and shrinkage, so it’s easy to open your Accoya wood windows at any time of year. Accoya wood is also as naturally beautiful as it is low maintenance and long-lasting, adding to your home’s aesthetic appeal.
All Woodcock sash windows are crafted from Accoya wood at our Surrey workshop, located in Chertsey. Whether you’d like to know more or book a free, no-obligation quotation, why not get in touch with our sash window experts today?