Ealing is one of London’s most architecturally distinctive outer boroughs. From the Edwardian villas of Ealing Broadway to the Arts and Crafts houses of Bedford Park and the interwar semis of Hanwell and Northfields, the area is home to thousands of period properties where timber windows remain the natural choice.
If you’re considering new wooden windows in Ealing — whether for a period restoration, a full replacement or a new extension — this guide covers the options available, what to expect and how to choose the right product for your property.
Why Timber Windows Suit Ealing Properties
The majority of Ealing’s residential housing stock dates from the late Victorian period through to the 1930s. These properties were built with timber windows as standard — and for good reason. Timber offers a warmth and authenticity that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate, and in areas like Bedford Park (one of London’s earliest planned garden suburbs) and the Ealing conservation areas, maintaining the character of original joinery is both a planning consideration and a matter of architectural integrity.
Modern engineered timber windows go far beyond what was available even twenty years ago. Kiln-dried, finger-jointed softwood and hardwood frames are factory-primed, pre-glazed with double or triple glazed units and delivered ready for installation — combining the aesthetics of traditional joinery with contemporary performance.
Types of Wooden Windows Available in Ealing
Timber Sash Windows
The vertical sliding sash window is the defining feature of Victorian and Edwardian Ealing properties. Original sash windows operate on a system of weights and pulleys concealed within the box frame. Modern replacements replicate this mechanism — or use a spring-balance alternative — and can be fitted with slim double-glazed units for significantly improved thermal performance.
Sash windows are the correct choice for properties built before approximately 1920. Getting the glazing bar pattern, moulding profile and proportions right is essential for planning compliance in Conservation Areas.
Timber Casement Windows
Casement windows — hinged on the side and opening outward — became more common in Ealing’s interwar housing from the 1920s onwards. They are also the standard specification for extensions and new builds where planning does not require sash windows.
Timber casement windows offer excellent thermal performance, are straightforward to maintain and can be manufactured to virtually any size or configuration. Steel-look casement windows — with narrow sight lines and a more industrial aesthetic — are increasingly popular for contemporary extensions on period Ealing properties.
Timber Flush Casement Windows
The flush casement sits within the frame rather than proud of it, giving a cleaner, more minimal profile. This style suits both period properties in Ealing where a more restrained look is appropriate and modern extensions where simplicity is the design intention.
Conservation Areas in Ealing: What You Need to Know
The London Borough of Ealing has a number of designated Conservation Areas where additional planning controls apply to window replacements. Key areas include:
- Bedford Park – one of London’s most significant planned garden suburbs, with strict guidance on window replacements to preserve the Arts and Crafts character
- Ealing Green – a mixed residential and commercial conservation area in central Ealing
- Pitshanger Lane – an Edwardian shopping street with associated residential Conservation Area
- Walpole Park – surrounding the historic park and Pitshanger Manor
In Conservation Areas, replacing timber windows with UPVC is generally not permitted. Timber replacements that match the original in profile, finish and glazing bar pattern are typically acceptable. Always confirm with the London Borough of Ealing planning department before ordering.
Wooden Window Costs in Ealing
Costs depend on window type, size, glazing specification and whether fitting is included. As a general guide for Ealing properties:
| Type | Cost Per Window (supply and fit) |
|---|---|
| Timber sash window – single glazed restoration | £600 – £1,200 |
| Timber sash window – double glazed replacement | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Timber casement window – double glazed | £800 – £1,800 |
| Timber flush casement – double glazed | £900 – £2,000 |
A typical Ealing Edwardian semi with ten windows would cost approximately £15,000–£25,000 for a full replacement in bespoke double-glazed timber, including fitting and removal of old windows.
Energy Efficiency and Timber Windows
A common misconception is that timber windows are inherently less energy efficient than UPVC. Modern engineered timber windows with double or triple glazed units, draught-proof seals and thermally broken frames perform to current Building Regulations standards and compare favourably with UPVC on thermal performance.
For Ealing properties — many of which have solid brick walls with limited insulation — upgrading windows is one of the most impactful measures available for reducing heat loss. A well-specified timber sash or casement window with a quality double-glazed unit can reduce window heat loss by 60–70% compared to original single-glazed timber.
Why Choose International Windows Group for Wooden Windows in Ealing?
International Windows Group manufactures bespoke timber windows and doors from our London base, serving homeowners, architects and contractors across Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields, Southall, Acton and the wider West London area.
- Bespoke manufacture to your exact dimensions and specification
- Sash, casement and flush casement options in softwood and hardwood
- Double and triple glazing as standard
- Free measurement with every order
- Professional installation including removal of old windows
- Advice on Conservation Area compliance in Ealing
We also supply and install timber sash windows across London, with dedicated pages for sash windows in North London and sash windows in Wembley.
Request a free consultation for your Ealing property →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit UPVC windows in a Conservation Area in Ealing? In most cases, no. The London Borough of Ealing requires that window replacements in Conservation Areas maintain the character of the original — which means timber. UPVC is generally not acceptable. Confirm with Ealing planning before ordering.
Do I need planning permission to replace wooden windows in Ealing? For most properties outside Conservation Areas, window replacements fall under Permitted Development and do not require planning permission. In Conservation Areas, you may need prior approval. Listed buildings always require Listed Building Consent.
How long do timber windows last in London? With regular maintenance — repainting every 5–8 years and prompt attention to any paint failure — quality engineered timber windows last 30–50 years or more. Hardwood frames typically outlast softwood.
What is the difference between softwood and hardwood timber windows? Softwood (typically Scots pine or European redwood) is lighter, easier to work and less expensive. Hardwood (meranti, oak or accoya) is denser, more durable and better suited to exposed or high-traffic locations. Both are suitable for Ealing properties; hardwood is recommended for ground floor windows and front elevations.
How quickly can you supply and install wooden windows in Ealing? Our standard lead time is 4 weeks from deposit. Installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on the number of windows. We cover Ealing and all surrounding West London boroughs.
International Windows Group specialises in bespoke timber windows and doors for London properties. We serve Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields, Acton, Chiswick, Wembley and surrounding West London areas.