What Were Early Window Frames Made Of?

Timber Window Frames

• Prior to the 16th century, the earliest window frames were made out of timber or stone mullions. Stone mullions are thin, vertical members dividing two or more adjacent windows. Generally, window openings lacked glass layers and were covered with sliding or folding wooden shutters. Residents also used window coverings made from paper or oiled cloth. Wealthier residents were usually the only consumers who could afford glazings, which often featured latticed or stained-glass designs. Oak -- the wood species used for most timber window frames -- was often carved to mimic fancier and more expensive stone materials.

Iron Window Frames

• Window frames were still constructed mainly from wood at the start of the 16th century. However, wrought iron began to be used as latches for window openings, and eventually for the window frame itself. Wrought iron continued to be used throughout through the 18th century, but mostly with leaded lights in churches and modest homes. Timber emerged as the preferred material for window frames in the early 18th century during a time known as the Palladian architecture period, according to the Cathedral Communications article “Metal Windows.” Wrought iron was once again adopted in the 19th century, along with cast iron, during the Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts movements.

Geography

• The Encyclopedia of Business states that builders in France began using iron in residential and commercial building during the late 1700s. By the mid 1850s, British builders heavily relied on cast iron for the construction of beams, columns and window frames. Similar to Europe, American homes in the 17th century lacked glazings due to its high cost and rarity. As glass in America became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, glazings were installed with either wooden or metal frames.

Modern-Day Comparision

• Today, window frames are produced using a variety of materials. From modestly priced options such as all-vinyl frames to high-tech composite materials, property owners have much to choose from during the design phase. Despite materials such as fiberglass, which can mimic the appearance of wood, clad-wood frames are the most popular choice among consumers according "This Old House" magazine writer Max Alexander. Like the earliest window frames made from timber, modern-day homeowners still prefer window frames that look similar to and are made from natural wood.