Frames
Engineered timber
Engineered timber is wood made by bonding several layers or finger-jointed strips together, with the grain arranged to reduce movement. For shopfronts it gives stable frames, doors and cills, and it looks like solid timber once painted, with less tendency to twist, warp or split.
Where does it work well?
Large painted timber frames and tall doors where solid timber would risk twisting, and traditional-looking frontages where good solid boards in the sizes needed are hard to source.
Pros
- More stable than solid timber
- Less likely to twist or split
- Long straight sections
- Takes paint well
Cons
- Joints can show under clear finishes
- Still needs a maintained paint finish
- Conservation officers may ask for solid timber
How long does it last?
Typically comparable with good solid joinery when it is kept painted and water does not sit on the end grain.
What should you check when buying?
Ask what species the layers are, whether the glue is rated for exterior use, and how the ends are sealed. If the building is listed, speak to the conservation officer before ordering, because engineered sections may not be accepted as like for like.
Common questions
Is engineered timber real wood?
Yes, it is real wood bonded from smaller pieces rather than cut from one board. Painted, it looks much the same as solid joinery, although clear or stained finishes can show the joint lines.
Can I use engineered timber on a listed building?
Sometimes, but the council decides. Conservation officers often look for solid timber in a matching species, so discuss it before ordering. We prepare drawings and can help with listed building consent, but the decision rests with the council.