Sliding Sash Windows, Timber Sash Windows

Luxury, custom-made timber sash windows

Sash windows are a defining feature of British architecture, known for their balance of functionality and visual appeal. Their unique design allows for excellent airflow and natural light, making them a popular choice for properties ranging from Georgian townhouses to Victorian terraces. Whether you’re restoring original windows or adding a traditional touch to a newer build, our custom-made timber sash windows are crafted to suit your home’s specific style and requirements.

At Hawker Joinery, we combine traditional joinery techniques with modern technology to create sash windows that are built to last. Each window is carefully designed to deliver energy efficiency, smooth operation, and a finish that enhances your home’s aesthetic. With our bespoke approach, you can be confident your windows will offer a perfect fit and exceptional quality.

A sliding sash window is a traditional window style with two framed sashes that slide up and down in vertical grooves within a window box frame.

They are mostly found in period properties and are often used for recreating an authentic look and feel, ideal for historic locations and Grade II Listed Buildings.

Due to their versatility, sliding sash windows also look beautiful on modern and new build homes. Despite their traditional design, we make sliding sash windows to meet modern performance and security requirements. Sliding sash windows are a popular choice for period properties because they combine a distinctive style with modern technology and thermal efficiency. They also have many other advantages, including:

Ventilation

Both sashes can be opened to create natural airflow.

Space saving

They don't require additional room to swing open like casement windows.

Aesthetic appeal

They have a timeless look that complements various architectural styles

Thermal performance

They can be double glazed or have Fineo vacuum glass

Security

They can be tested to PAS 24 and Secured by Design.

Draught proofing

They can be brush draught proofed to achieve great draught proofing

The finest craftsmanship

At Hawkers being bespoke means all our sliding sash windows are made to measure to suit any size and property ensuring the perfect fit.

This also opens us up to be tailored to you by choosing from a wide range or ironmongery, glass and mouldings.

As a company that has specialised within the heart of the historic city of Bath for over 100 years, we have built up a breadth of knowledge and expertise on sliding sash windows.

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Case studies

Sash window styles

Sliding sash (with weights and cord)

Sliding sash windows with weights and cord are the most traditional style of sash window, offering a timeless design that’s perfect for period properties and listed buildings. This system uses hidden counterweights, housed within the window frame, and cords to balance the sashes, allowing them to slide smoothly and stay securely in place at any position.

This classic mechanism has been used for centuries and remains a favourite for restoring or replicating original features in historic homes. Its robust and reliable design ensures longevity, while the elegance of a bespoke timber frame enhances the character of any property.

At Hawker Joinery, we specialise in crafting bespoke sliding sash windows with weights and cord. Using traditional joinery techniques, we ensure every detail is authentic, from the perfect proportions of the sashes to the precision of the counterweight system. These windows combine heritage craftsmanship with modern performance, offering improved insulation and draught-proofing while preserving the charm of your home.

Sliding sash (with spiral balances)

Sliding sash windows with spiral balances are a modern evolution of the traditional sash window. Instead of relying on weights and pulleys, these windows use discreet spiral balances to support the movement of the sash. This system provides a smoother operation and allows for a more compact frame design, making it an excellent choice for properties where space or aesthetic considerations are a priority.

The spiral balances are housed within the window frame, ensuring a clean and streamlined appearance. They offer the same classic look as traditional sash windows but with enhanced functionality and reduced maintenance requirements. This makes them ideal for both period properties and modern homes looking to achieve timeless elegance.

At Hawker Joinery, our bespoke sliding sash windows with spiral balances are crafted from high-quality timber to suit your home’s unique style. Whether you’re replacing existing windows or adding character to a new build, we ensure each piece is tailored to perfection, blending modern convenience with traditional charm.

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Window timber, ironmongery, glass and paint options

Timber

At Hawker Joinery we inspire to only use quality, proven materials in our products to ensure our customers get a product that is manufactured to stand the test of time. All of our spray finished windows and doors are made from Accoya timber with door cills being Iroko which is highly durable is high traffic areas.

Accoya timber is a revolution in modified dimensionally stable wood that delivers remarkable levels of performance. From its superior insulation to its lasting good looks, Accoya timber out performs all other timbers and upVC in every way. It is better for the environment and healthier for you. To learn more about Accoya, click here.

Ironmongery

All of our sliding sash windows come fitted with square end pulley wheels, white cord, lead weights, a fastener, curved sash lifts and security stops. If your opening hasn’t got the room for large box sides with lead weights we also offer spiral balances which come in a white, brown or black finish and can be surface fitted on the inside of the box.

We can offer a range of finishes such as polished brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, black, bronze and antique brass.

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Glass choices

There are many glazing options for your windows and doors. We offer single glazing, slimline double glazing, double glazing or Fineo vacuum double glazing. If your property is listed this will restrict you to single glazing unless you apply for planning permission to change. In this process we can help with all detailed drawings for you to submit as part of your application.

We also offer many obscure/decorative glass designs which you may choose to have in your bathroom or entrance door. These you can find on the following link : https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/householders/decorative-glazing (https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/householders/decorative-glazing)

Sound reduction can also be achieved with acoustic glazing. This is where we upgrade the outer pane of the double glazing to be thicker to achieve a better
decibel rating. This is often for homes close to high traffic roads.

Paints & Finishes

At Hawker Joinery we offer a water-based three coat spray painted finish. This includes one primer coat and two top finish coats. Often people want the outside and inside the same colour but sometimes a dual colour is requested which we can also offer where different colours are chosen externally and internally. The paint is microporous meaning it works perfectly with the timber to let it breath, be flexible and durable. This will help minimise cracking and peeling to the surface coating to help achieve low maintenance.

See our most popular paint colours here

We know there are many brands of paint and colours to choose from so we offer a few options:

1. You can choose a RAL number from the RAL colour chart.

2. You can reference a brand of paint and the colour and we will match this closely with our in house paint system.

3. If you require a like for like match and don’t know the paint colour, we can peel a sample section from the window / door and send away to be matched.

50

ROT & DECAY (ACCOYA)

YEARS GUARANTEE

20

ROT & DECAY

YEARS GUARANTEE

10

MANUAFACTURER

DEFECTS

YEARS GUARANTEE

1

IRONGMONGERY

DEFECTS

YEARS GUARANTEE

10

GLASS & GLAZING

YEARS GUARANTEE

3

SPRAY FINISH COATING

YEARS GUARANTEE

Client reviews

Hawker did a brilliant job replacing 2 windows in my flat. Great communication throughout the whole process. They came up against a structural problem when removing one of the old windows but dealt with this quickly and professionally. The finished windows are stunning and I would not hesitate to recommend Hawker or contact them again for future work.

Leanne Clover

I have recently taken delivery of sash windows and a front door from Hawker Joinery - the production quality is stunning, the installation team, excellent, and the finish superbe. I had 1 small, niggly issue, they sorted it straight away. What I appreciated is their attention to detail, clarity of communication and personable approach.

Bruce Slatton

I have been delighted to have used Hawkers Joinery for the first time on my period house renovation in 2019 after a recommendation. Initially they produced my like for like replacement windows, however having been extremely impressed with the quality of their product, as well as their service and reliability.

Mrs Claxton-Newman

Hawker Joinery refurbished 3 Victorian Windows for us. Nick did an extremely professional job taking care not just in the work to the window but also to minimise any mess or disruption to our home. The work has been successful in ensuring that these windows no longer rattle and allow dirt to penetrate into the room.

David Smy

Excellent workmanship on making and fitting our new bespoke sash windows for our Victorian house. Excellent service. I highly recommend Hawker Joinery.

Houzz user

Mitchell and Dan were great at providing detailed answers throughout the process, production of everything was much faster than we expected and Nick was an amazing fitter, going out of his way to offer advice make sure everything was done exactly as we wanted!

Martin Blagoev

We've had ten windows replaced by Hawker Joiners, all beautifully made, finished and fitted by a very tidy and punctual team. I highly recommend them!

Robin Allison-Smith