Wood grain effect uPVC windows

Wood grain effect uPVC is a plastic window frame with a foil finish that imitates timber, and it costs more than plain white because of the extra process. It can look convincing from a modest distance. Whether it is worth paying for depends on the house, how much you want the timber look, and whether you plan to stay.

How wood grain effect uPVC is made

The frames are made from extruded profile. As I understand it, the profile is mostly white and, to a lesser extent, brown. Frames made from it would be plain white or plain brown without any finish. Plain white is by far the most popular, because of its smart appearance, and it is also the least expensive. Plain brown, mostly a chocolate or caramel shade, tends to be much less popular.

Two finishes dominate:

• White profile, foil on one side. A wood grain foil is bonded to the outside of the profile, so the window shows a timber look outdoors and white indoors. It suits many properties, and it costs more because of the additional process.
• Brown profile, foil on both sides. The foil goes on the outside and the inside, to give a traditional solid wood look that is very convincing from a modest distance.

The main looks are a mahogany colour on the dark chocolate profiles, and a variety of cherry and oak finishes on the caramel ones. The surface has a texture as well as a pattern, which is what makes it more convincing than a flat printed finish.

Colour-coated frames

Colour-coated frames are another option. Many colours from the European RAL standard set are now available, including blues, greens, yellows and reds. As I understand it, the quality reports are very good on appearance, maintenance and long life, although you should expect to pay quite a premium.

Think about resale too. You may like canary yellow windows and be prepared to pay for them, but a buyer may not be as keen. A strong colour is a risk if you may sell.

Painting uPVC

PVC-U can be painted. A primer made for it, with a suitable topcoat, will change the look of a frame. Check your guarantee first, though. I haven’t found a manufacturer’s statement to quote here, so ask the installer or the frame maker whether painting affects it, before you start.

Keeping wood grain effect uPVC clean

Nearly all uPVC looks very good when new, but it isn’t maintenance free, however much a salesperson says so. Dirt from traffic, birds and other pollutants build up and make it look unattractive, so it needs a regular clean.

The care guide from HomePro, an insurance-backed guarantee provider, advises warm soapy water for uPVC frames. It says to avoid glass cleaner, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, ammonia or caustic products, and scouring pads, steel wool or other abrasive items. It also says to avoid a high-pressure hose, because it can damage the sealant between the glazing and the frame. Specialised uPVC cleaning cream is for stubborn stains.

Some trade advice is to avoid steam cleaning, because some manufacturers will refuse a guarantee if their uPVC has been steam cleaned. I haven’t found a source for that, so check your own manufacturer’s instructions. Following the manufacturer’s care guidance is also what keeps a guarantee intact, according to HomePro.

What to ask before choosing wood grain effect uPVC

When you compare quotes, ask the firm:

1. Is the foil on the outside only, or on both sides?
2. What colour will the inside of the frame be?
3. What guarantee covers the finish, and for how long?
4. What does the price add for the colour, itemised?

If it is real timber that you want, our sister site’s guide to timber windows covers it. For the cost of a window without a special finish, see a single replacement window, and put any quote through our quote checker. See windows explained for more on how windows are made.