Accoya Wood
Accoya® wood is the result of more than 90 years of research and development that brings together a long-established and extensively researched wood modification technique, acetylation which has created the highest performing timber on the market and this is why we use Accoya® wood.
A true innovation in wood. Accoya® is wood which has been modified to enable it to resist rot, defy the elements and stay strong for decades. It is a truly remarkable product, because we know you want your windows to last, we can source the highest quality woods available for the construction of your sash windows. Now 95% of all our sash windows are made from the best wood available on the market – Accoya® wood.
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Quality – where it counts
Your wooden windows and doors should open effortlessly and look flawless all year round – for years to come. And with Accoya, they will. Naturally insulating, you can lock in the warmth and lock down the price of your energy bills. All whilst saving time, money, and hassle on maintenance. Accoya wood is quality you can count on.
Benefits Of Accoya For Timber Windows & Doors
Accoya wood is a high-performance, sustainable timber that undergoes a special acetylation process, making it one of the most durable and stable wood options available. Here are the key benefits of using Accoya wood:
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Exceptional Durability
- Long-lasting: Accoya wood has an incredibly long lifespan. Thanks to the acetylation process, it resists rot, decay, and weathering far better than untreated or even pressure-treated timber. It is ideal for external applications such as windows, doors, decking, and cladding.
- Class 1 Durability: Accoya wood is classified as Class 1 in durability, the highest level of durability recognized in timber. This means it can last over 50 years in outdoor applications, even in harsh environments.
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Stability
- Highly Dimensionally Stable: One of the standout features of Accoya is its stability. The acetylation process reduces the wood’s ability to absorb moisture, making it less prone to expansion, contraction, warping, or splitting when exposed to changes in humidity or temperature. This makes it an excellent choice for applications like window frames or flooring where dimensional stability is critical.
- Resistant to Shrinkage: Accoya wood maintains its shape and structure much better than untreated wood, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
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Sustainability
- Environmentally Friendly: Accoya is made from fast-growing, sustainably sourced wood, typically from softwood species like pine. The acetylation process itself is non-toxic and doesn’t involve harmful chemicals, making it a sustainable option for eco-conscious projects.
- Carbon Sequestration: As with all wood, Accoya absorbs and stores carbon, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. The wood’s longevity means it acts as a long-term carbon sink, contributing positively to the environment.
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Non-Toxic and Safe
- Chemical-Free: Accoya is completely free from toxic chemicals, such as preservatives or pesticides. The acetylation process, which alters the chemical structure of the wood, naturally enhances its resistance to rot and pests, making it a non-toxic, safe choice for both residential and commercial applications.
- Safe for Use Around People: Unlike some treated woods, which can release harmful chemicals, Accoya does not pose any health risks, making it suitable for applications like children’s furniture or play structures.
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Low Maintenance
- Reduced Need for Maintenance: Due to its enhanced durability and resistance to weathering, Accoya requires far less maintenance compared to traditional timber. It does not need to be treated or sealed as frequently, saving time and costs in the long term.
- No Regular Repainting: Accoya’s stability helps prevent cracking, splitting, or fading over time, reducing the need for frequent painting or staining, particularly for exterior applications like window frames and doors.
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Aesthetic Appeal
- Natural Look: Accoya retains the natural beauty of wood with a smooth, consistent finish that can be painted or stained to suit your design preferences. It can be left in its natural state or treated with coatings to further enhance its appearance.
- Smooth Finish: The acetylation process makes Accoya wood exceptionally smooth and easy to work with, ensuring a high-quality finish for visible features such as window and door frames.
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Strength and Performance
- Improved Strength: The acetylation process increases the wood’s strength and rigidity, making Accoya suitable for demanding applications that require high-performance materials, such as decking, external cladding, and structural elements.
- Strong against Pests: Accoya is resistant to insect damage and fungal decay, providing a more durable solution compared to untreated wood, especially in areas prone to termites or other wood-damaging pests.
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Versatility
- Wide Range of Applications: Accoya can be used for both interior and exterior applications, including decking, cladding, windows, doors, furniture, and more. Its versatility allows it to be used in various building projects, including both residential and commercial.
- Customizable: Accoya wood can be machined, shaped, and finished to suit specific design requirements. It is also compatible with a range of finishing products, such as paints, stains, and oils.
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Fire Resistance
- Improved Fire Rating: Accoya wood has been tested for fire resistance and performs better than traditional softwoods. It is classified as a Class 1 material under European fire safety regulations, which means it has a lower fire risk than untreated timber.
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Weather and UV Resistance
- UV Protection: Accoya’s ability to resist UV degradation means that it retains its color and appearance for longer, even with exposure to sunlight. This makes it an ideal choice for external applications where the wood is exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Resistant to Moisture: The reduced moisture absorption in Accoya helps it resist swelling and warping, especially in wet or humid environments.
Projects we have completed
We’ve mastered our craft over many years of manufacturing & installing a wide range of
Sash, Casement, and Doors into a wide variety of homes.
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50 YEARS – Above Ground
At SJB Sash Windows, we are dedicated to providing products that stand the test of time. That’s why we offer an industry-leading 50-year fully insurance backed guarantee on our Accoya wood. Accoya wood is renowned for its outstanding durability and resistance to the elements, making it the perfect choice for long-lasting, high-performance windows. The 50-year guarantee reflects our confidence in Accoya’s superior quality, as well as the precision of our manufacturing and installation process. With Accoya wood, you can be assured of unparalleled longevity and exceptional performance.
Accoya is a type of modified wood made from sustainably sourced timber, typically from fast-growing softwood species such as Radiata Pine. The wood undergoes an acetylation process, where it is treated with acetic anhydride, resulting in the modification of the wood’s cell structure. This process improves the wood’s natural properties, making it more durable and long-lasting.
When you choose SJB Sash Windows, you’re investing in a product that offers beauty, strength, and peace of mind for generations to come.