Planning a renovation or extension? This sponsored guide compares the benefits of timber and aluminium windows to help you choose the right option for your project.

One of the many choices homeowners face when planning a renovation, extension or additional granny flat is what sort of windows to use?

Timber windows and aluminium windows are among the most common choices, and both offer important advantages. The right option will depend on the style of the home, where the windows will be installed, the desired finish and the amount of ongoing maintenance required.

Whatever the project, Handyman’s Trading Post offers a great range and value for money across new, factory-second and second-hand windows.

Owner and manager John Rivers says the experienced team can help customers compare the different options and find windows that suit their property, project and budget.

“Choosing windows can be more complicated than people initially expect,” John says.

“You need to consider the appearance of the home, the type of wall, the installation requirements and whether you want a window that can be easily modified in the future.

“We carry a broad and constantly changing range of new, factory-second and second-hand windows, giving customers more choice and excellent value for money.”

Timber windows for character and versatility

Timber windows can be an ideal choice when the aim is to complement the existing appearance of a home.

This can be particularly important when renovating one of Canberra’s older properties or undertaking heritage restorations of cottages, cabins and traditional homes in the surrounding country towns.

“Timber windows can add warmth and character to a property,” John says.

“They are especially popular for older Canberra homes and heritage restorations where maintaining the original style and character of the building is an important consideration.”

Timber windows also provide renovators and DIY enthusiasts with plenty of flexibility. The frames can be repainted or re-stained to suit a new colour scheme, while handles, locks and other hardware can be replaced as the property is updated.

With the right tools and experience, timber windows can also be re-glazed. It may even be possible to convert some single-glazed timber windows to double glazing, helping owners improve the performance of the window while retaining its traditional appearance.

For homeowners seeking a Colonial or Federation-style finish, adhesive timber bars can be fitted to plain glass timber windows to recreate the appearance of traditional divided panes.

“Timber windows are extremely versatile,” John says.

Handyman’s Trading Post regularly stocks timber windows featuring Colonial or Federation-style bars, along with a variety of plain glass timber windows. Its changing range includes cedar and meranti windows, as well as older windows made from Australian hardwood.

Aluminium windows for easy maintenance

Aluminium windows are another popular option, particularly for homeowners looking for durable frames that are easy to clean and maintain.

Unlike timber, aluminium frames do not require regular repainting. This makes them a convenient choice for busy households, investment properties, garages, sheds, extensions and granny flats.

“Aluminium windows are practical, durable and very easy to maintain,” John says.

“They can be used across an enormous range of projects and are often a straightforward option when people are building an extension, upgrading a shed or adding a granny flat.”

Aluminium windows can be installed into many different wall types. They can be screwed directly to the metal sheeting of a garage or shed, while the addition of a simple timber reveal allows them to be installed into either a timber stud frame or a brick wall.

Colour can also be an important consideration, particularly when new windows need to match the existing frames, gutters, roofing or other features of a home.

Handyman’s Trading Post regularly carries aluminium windows in colours commonly used in Canberra homes from the 1980s through to the 2000s, including mission brown, primrose and paperbark.

The range also includes more contemporary colours such as Monument, Woodland Grey, black and white.

“We understand how important it can be to find a window that matches the existing colours and style of the property,” John says.

“Our stock changes regularly, so customers may find everything from older colours that can be difficult to source through to the contemporary finishes being used in current renovations and extensions.”

New, factory-second and second-hand windows

Whether customers decide on timber windows or aluminium windows, Handyman’s Trading Post provides a great range and value for money for new, factory-second and second-hand windows.

Because new stock arrives regularly, renovators can find windows for many different styles of homes and building projects.

“Our range is always changing, and that is part of what makes visiting Handyman’s Trading Post worthwhile,” John says.

“You might find a timber window that perfectly suits a heritage restoration, an aluminium window in the colour needed to match an existing home, or an affordable factory-second or second-hand option for a shed or granny flat.”

Customers who cannot find the right window during their first visit are encouraged to speak with the team.

“If we don’t have something suitable in stock, we can take down the customer’s details and keep an eye out for them as a complimentary service,” John says.

“We want to help people find the right windows without spending more than they need to.”

Handyman’s Trading Post is now open for business at Unit 1, 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick.

The premises are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Customers can visit the experienced team to inspect the latest range of new, factory-second and second-hand windows and discuss what will best suit their renovation, extension, additional granny flat, garage, shed or heritage restoration.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to our new Fyshwick premises and helping them find the right windows for their next project,” John says.

Follow Handyman’s Trading Post on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates about newly arrived stock or visit Handyman’s Trading Post online.

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