Is Accoya better than hardwood?

If you’re looking to find the best materials for windows and doors, be it commercial or domestic, you’ve probably been looking at both Accoya and hardwood. Both materials offer unique advantages, but which is the best for your needs? In this article, we will explore the properties of Accoya and hardwood, weighing their pros and cons, to help you make the right decision for you.

What is Accoya?

Accoya is a type of wood that has been modified through a process called acetylation. This chemical process changes the cell structure of the wood, making it more durable and resistant to general wear and tear. The base wood for Accoya is typically sourced from fast-growing, sustainably managed pine forests, making it an environmentally friendly option too.

Pros

• Durability: Accoya wood is extremely durable. The acetylation process significantly reduces the wood’s ability to absorb water, making it highly resistant to rot, decay and insect damage. This durability can often exceed that of some of the toughest hardwoods.
• Dimensional stability: Accoya is known for its fantastic dimensional stability. It swells and shrinks less in response to moisture changes compared to many hardwoods, making it an excellent choice here in the South West and across England where the weather is always changing.
• Sustainability: Accoya is often more sustainable than traditional hardwoods, as it uses fast-growing softwoods sourced from managed forests. The acetylation process itself is environmentally friendly, and Accoya has received various certifications for its eco-friendly properties.
• Low maintenance: Due to its resistance to decay and weathering, Accoya requires less maintenance over time, making it a cost-effective option for long-term projects.

Cons

• Cost: Accoya tends to be more expensive upfront than many traditional hardwoods. This is usually because of the acetylation process and sustainable sourcing. Read our Accoya wood price comparison to compare Accoya with popular timber for windows and doors.
• Limited aesthetic options: While Accoya can be stained or painted, its natural appearance might not quite be able to replicate the varied grain patterns of some hardwoods.

What is hardwood?

Hardwood is a type of wood derived from deciduous trees, which are trees that shed their leaves annually. Hardwood is known for its durability and distinctive grain patterns, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring and construction. It’s worth noting that the term “hardwood” is a bit misleading, as not all hardwoods are necessarily harder than softwoods.

Pros

• Aesthetic: Hardwoods are often chosen for their natural beauty, given their wide range of colours, grains and textures. This makes them a popular choice for high-end furniture.
• Strength and durability: Many hardwoods are incredibly strong and durable, making them useful for a variety of different joinery applications.
• Prestige: Hardwoods are synonymous with luxury, so this alone can often bump up the perceived value of an item or project they’re used in.

Cons

• Environmental concerns: The extraction and use of some hardwoods, especially tropical species, can have serious environmental impacts like deforestation.
• Cost and availability: High-quality hardwoods can be very expensive and sometimes difficult to source, depending on market availability.
• Maintenance: Many hardwoods require regular maintenance to preserve their appearance and structural integrity, particularly when used in outdoor settings.

Is Accoya better than hardwood?

It’s clear that both Accoya and hardwoods have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, when taking all factors into account, such as durability, environmental impact and general maintenance, we think Accoya often comes out on top, especially for outdoor and structural applications. Its superior resistance to rot and its dimensional stability make it a practical choice for demanding projects, and its sustainable credentials are fast becoming essential in a world where eco-friendliness is king.

While hardwoods offer excellent aesthetic variety and a timeless appeal, they can be less practical for certain uses due to their maintenance needs and environmental concerns.

Ultimately, of course, the choice between Accoya and hardwood will depend on specific project requirements, but for many applications Accoya is probably the better option.

Joinery Solutions SW is a leading provider of bespoke joinery services in the South West. We are experts when it comes to Accoya windows, so if you have a project on the horizon where sustainability is paramount, we can help.