Traditional Timber Windows & Doors for a Home in March, Cambridgeshire
Bespoke Traditional Timber Windows & Doors for a Period Home
Replacing windows and doors can restore a property’s original character while providing a durable, long-term solution. For this traditional timber window replacement in March, Cambridgeshire, we built and installed sixteen traditional casement windows, together with a traditional timber front door and traditional timber back door, for a late 1940s home. The property had a mixture of original timber windows and later uPVC replacements. As a result, it had lost much of its original character. Our goal was to replace them with bespoke timber windows and doors that suited the age, proportions and style of the house.
The Brief
When the owners contacted us, the property had a mixture of ageing timber windows and later uPVC replacements. The original windows had deteriorated beyond economical repair, while the plastic replacements no longer suited the character of the house. The clients wanted to restore the property with traditional timber windows and doors that looked as though they had always belonged there.
The project included sixteen traditional casement windows, a traditional timber front door and a traditional timber back door. Rather than replacing the windows like for like, we focused on restoring the original character of the property while providing a long-lasting solution for the future.
Our Approach
First, we measured every opening before marking each window and door out by hand in our Cambridgeshire workshop. Next, we built every frame using traditional mortise and tenon joints, a proven method that provides excellent strength and durability. We built the windows from quality softwood with hardwood sills, while we crafted both doors from sapele. Every piece was made to suit the property, helping us achieve an accurate fit and a traditional appearance throughout.
Finally, we installed the new timber windows behind the original window reveals. Unlike the previous uPVC replacements, this approach recreated the look of the original joinery and helped restore the character of the home.
Installation
Once we completed the joinery in our workshop, we installed every window and door on site. Most of the installation progressed as planned. However, the largest window presented a particular challenge. Due to its size and weight, we had to lift it into position from outside the property. Careful planning and teamwork allowed us to install it safely while maintaining the high standard of finish the clients expected.
Once complete, the windows were painted in white and black, while the sapele doors received a brown finish that complemented the style of the property.
The Finished Result
The finished project completely changed the appearance of the house. The mixture of deteriorated timber and later uPVC windows disappeared. Instead, the property now features bespoke replacement timber windows and handcrafted doors that better reflect its original design.
More importantly, the new joinery provides a durable, long-term solution that is built around the property rather than adapted to it. The project also restored much of the home’s original character while giving the owners traditional timber windows and doors they will enjoy for many years to come.
Thinking About Traditional Timber Windows or Doors?
Whether you are planning a traditional window replacement, replacing uPVC windows or restoring a period property, we would be happy to help. We build traditional timber windows and doors in our Cambridgeshire workshop using quality materials, traditional joinery methods and more than 45 years of experience. We will also help you decide whether repair or replacement offers the best long-term solution for your property.
This project demonstrates the type of bespoke work we carry out as part of our Traditional & Heritage Joinery service. If you are interested in the craftsmanship behind projects like this, you can read our why traditional joinery matters guide.