Timber joinery is synonymous with New Zealand residential architecture. We’ve used it for decades, and it remains a popular material due to its host of benefits and aesthetic qualities. Popular timber choices include the classic woods we are used to such as pine, rimu, macrocarpa and kauri, as well as more contemporary options such as high-quality cedar timber, which has soared in popularity over the last couple of decades.

What are the benefits of timber joinery?

The natural beauty and timeless character of the wooden window and door frames are hard to surpass. It’s a unique aesthetic we’ve appreciated in New Zealand for generations, and one we’re still caught on. Timber provides a natural tactility unrivalled by other joinery materials, and with the right treatment and maintenance can offer ongoing durability and stability over time.

From classic French doors to bifold, sliding and double-hung doors, to bay windows, entrance doors and shopfronts, timber joinery has been the material of choice for projects of all shapes and sizes. 

Over the years, technology has advanced and the way we use timber has changed significantly, allowing for more design freedom than ever before. Technological advances have also allowed for the use of smart wood joinery in conjunction with modern building methodologies such as double glazing and thermally broken glazing. 

Timber joinery can generally be specified either primed or fully finished and can be finished in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of wood used and the system it is part of, options exist for painting, oiled finishes and a variety of other treatments and stains. Generally, timber joinery needs to be maintained frequently - with the frequency determined by the geographical location and environmental factors such as UV exposure, salt spray and temperature variations - to ensure it retains its integrity over time. 

Wood is also a thermally efficient material and acts as a natural insulator, unlike other joinery options such as steel and aluminium. The drawbacks of timber include its weight, being significantly heavier than aluminium, it can be more expensive to transport and install, and it is generally more expensive at the outset than aluminium. 

However, these drawbacks can be offset by the beautiful, natural and tactile qualities of timber.