Frames
Hardwood timber
Hardwood timber is dense wood from broadleaved trees, such as oak or sapele, machined into shopfront frames, mouldings, cills and doors. Durability varies by species and is classified under BS EN 350. It is the traditional material for painted or stained shop joinery.
Where does it work well?
Traditional high streets, listed buildings and conservation areas where the council expects timber, where hand-finished mouldings matter, and where the owner will keep a repainting routine going.
Pros
- Suits historic streets
- Can be repaired piece by piece
- Can be repainted any colour
- Mouldings can be made to match
Cons
- Needs repainting or re-oiling
- Can rot if water sits in joints
- Costs more than a standard aluminium frame
How long does it last?
Typically many decades when the paint is kept up, and much less if water is left to sit in the joints.
What should you check when buying?
Ask which species is being used, its BS EN 350 durability class, and how end grain and joints are sealed. For responsibly sourced timber, ask for FSC or PEFC chain of custody paperwork; these are certification schemes for forest products.
Common questions
How often does a timber shopfront need painting?
It depends on exposure and the paint system, but exterior joinery commonly needs attention every few years. South-facing frontages and areas of heavy splash weather first, so check them each spring and repair small failures before water gets in.
Can a rotten timber shopfront be repaired?
Yes, often. Rotten sections can be cut out and new timber spliced in, keeping the original joinery. That matters on listed buildings, where like-for-like repair is often preferred over replacement. Extensive rot may mean new sections.