Our Hardwood Roof Lanterns
Hardwood vs Softwood
Categorising wood as either a hardwood or softwood comes down to its physical make-up and build, and, thus, it’s no surprise many people assume hardwoods are solid and durable compared to soft and workable softwoods.
Generally, this is true, however, there are exceptions, for example in the case of woods from yew trees — a softwood that’s relatively hard — and wood from balsa trees — a hardwood that’s softer than softwoods.
As a rule, however, hardwoods tend to be denser than softwoods and are, therefore, tougher and more weather resistant.
What Types of Hardwoods Are There?
We manufacture roof lanterns in a variety of hardwoods, namely oak and timber. We can also manufacture using softwoods such as pine. Our hardwoods are picked for quality, to ensure that the product and its lifespan are extended as much as possible.
Hardwoods come from broad-leaved, deciduous trees. The main hardwood timbers are:
- Ash
- Beech
- Birch
- Cherry
- Elm
- Iroko
- Mahogany
- Meranti
- Oak
- Obeche
- Sapele
- Teak
Our Hardwood Roof Lanterns
Hardwood is sometimes cheaper and chosen for its appearance and lifespan once treated. With deforestation being excessive over the last decade, wood prices have increased, as such, many product manufacturers and joineries use veneers bonded to a core of softwood which reduces the level of hardwood required for manufacture.
Hardwood is a multipurpose group of woods, popular in manufacturing for furniture, structures, orangeries, conservatories and more.
Eco-Friendly Hardwoods Sourced from FSC Accredited Sources
At Prestige Roof Lanterns UK, we source our hardwood from FSC (forest stewardship council) which means that our wood is sourced in a responsible and eco-friendly way. Our hardwoods are cut and used in such a way to minimise any waste during product manufacture.
Why is Hardwood Suitable for Roof Lanterns?
Hardwood in numerous cases is now ‘engineered’, which means that it contains quite a few layers of timber fused together. As a result, this enhances solidity and strength.
Hardwood, such as Sapele, is perfect for roof lanterns, as it’s incredibly durable, resilient, not to mention dense in its makeup – and strong as a result.
We use Sapele for all our opaque-painted and dark coloured translucent-stained roof lanterns. For lighter stain colours, we use Idigbo hardwood. This is a hardwood which is lighter in colour and can look similar to oak when stained. We can also use Oak (at additional cost) if required.
Why Choose Hardwood Roof Lanterns?
Some of the main characteristics that are considered when choosing a hardwood include:
- Wood density
- Grain
- Growth pattern
- Pore sizes
- Flexibility
Some hardwoods have a honeycomb-like structure at microscopic level. It’s this structure that allows the wood some degree of flexibility and allows air to pass through.
Our Hardwood Treatment Process
Our joinery treats the wood and paints it using micro-porous paints which allow the wood to breathe. The treatment process prevents the hardwood from allowing bacteria, microorganisms, spores and other life forms to grow.
The porous element of hardwood is typically what caused hardwood structures to rot and to require high levels of maintenance, however, it is today’s modern chemical treatment procedures that almost completely stop and prevent these issues, however, minor maintenance will be required.
Hardwood Roof Lanterns Tailor Made for You
If you’re looking for an oak roof or timber roof lantern, then look no further. Every aspect of your lantern can be customised, from its shape and size to its architectural features, centre pieces, rafter styles, ornaments and finials, and more.
With us, we also provide a colour matching service, or choose from a custom palette (giving you literally thousands of potential colours / shades) to ensure that your lantern fits your properties theme / style and existing features.
Because we manufacture and paint, we can even replicate styles on external windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries and more. If your lantern is a replacement lantern, we can also replicate existing designs (if the previous lantern is beyond repair).
All our lanterns and lantern components comply with building regulations / safety / thermal efficiency regulations. You’ll also get a five-year warranty on your lantern, plus, we’ll even offer discounts if you choose us for Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries, Bifold Doors or for additional lanterns.
Need a Quote?
If you’re looking for a bespoke hardwood roof lantern, then look no further. Call us or fill out our call back request and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your lantern requirements.