Why Restore Wood Windows

Old-Growth Wood That Modern Lumber Can't Match

Your original wood windows were milled from old-growth timber — dense, tight-grained wood that resists decay and warping in ways modern lumber simply cannot replicate. Properly restored and maintained, these windows outlast any modern replacement by decades.

Not only will your restored windows add value to your home, but they'll provide like-new operation and increased energy efficiency — all while preserving every ounce of your home's original character.

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Old-growth vs new-growth lumber comparison

The Restoration Process

What We Do, Step by Step

Every wood window restoration follows this proven process — developed over 15+ years of working exclusively on historic homes.

1

Sash Removal & Assessment

We carefully remove your sashes and take them to our shop for proper restoration, leaving your home secure with temporary weatherproofing. Each sash is assessed for condition — what needs repair, what can be reconditioned, what needs replacing.

2

Strip to Original Wood

Your sashes are stripped completely down to the original wood — removing layers of paint that may be masking the wood's true condition and compromising operation. This is where we find what's really going on and address any rot or damage.

3

Glass Cleaning & Sarco Linseed Oil Glazing

Glass is removed, professionally cleaned, and reinstalled. We then glaze with Sarco Dual Glaze — a linseed oil-based glazing compound that creates a weather-tight, flexible seal between the glass and wood frame. Linseed oil-based glazing remains slightly flexible for years, moving with the seasonal expansion and contraction of the window, which prevents the cracking that causes water infiltration. Sarco was used in the restoration of the White House windows. We use nothing else.

4

Hardware & Sash Cord

Original hardware is reconditioned to like-new condition, or replaced with period-correct hardware when necessary. Existing rope is replaced with Sampson Sash Cord — the strongest, longest-lasting sash cord available — ensuring smooth, balanced operation for years to come.

5

Prime & Paint

We apply a long dry oil primer — the correct foundation for historic wood windows, giving the wood time to properly absorb the primer before topcoats are applied. We then finish with two coats of high performance acrylic paint, which provides excellent adhesion, flexibility, and long-term durability while holding up to Central Texas weather.

6

Reinstallation & Jamb Work

We scrape all failing paint from your window jambs, prime and paint, then reinstall your sashes and tune the mechanics for the easiest possible operation. We don't leave until every window opens, closes, and locks perfectly.

Materials We Use

Period-Correct. No Shortcuts.

Sarco Dual Glaze

A linseed oil-based glazing compound — the gold standard in window glazing. Flexible, weather-tight, long-lasting. Used on the White House windows. We use nothing else.

Sampson Sash Cord

The strongest, most durable sash cord available. Braided cotton construction that won't stretch or rot — outlasting cheaper alternatives by decades.

Long Dry Oil Primer

A slow-drying oil primer applied before topcoats — giving historic wood the absorption time it needs for a proper, lasting bond before finishing.

High Performance Acrylic

Two coats of high performance acrylic finish paint. Excellent adhesion, flexibility through seasonal movement, and long-term durability in Central Texas weather.

Before & After

See the Difference

Before

After

Expert Wood Window Restoration for Historic Austin Homes