Frequently asked questions

We make our windows from laminated timber. Lamination gives greater stability than timber in a single piece: the profile moves less with changes in moisture and temperature, so the window keeps its geometry and seal for decades. We choose the timber species to suit the purpose of the window and the requirements of the project.

As standard we use pine, meranti, American oak and larch, as well as other species available on the market that are approved and tested for use in window and door joinery. Pine is a versatile and economical choice, meranti takes translucent colours (stain) beautifully, and oak is chosen by clients looking for the highest quality and a striking grain pattern, and by those opting for oiled joinery. We match the species to the style of the house and the budget. Other interesting species are Douglas fir and Eucalyptus globulus – which is even harder than oak.

We offer profiles 68 mm, 78 mm and 92 mm thick. Slimmer profiles suit renovations and buildings of a classic character, while thicker ones give better thermal insulation in energy-efficient homes. We make the full specifications of each profile available to architects in the technical documentation. Under the regulations in force in Poland, it is the thermal transmittance that determines the choice of window profile – at present windows must reach Uw= 0.9 W/m2K.

In addition, we make all of the above profiles in alu-clad timber.

As standard, we fit windows with GU or ROTO perimeter hardware, micro-ventilation and a sash lifter with a mishandling device. In double-sash windows, the passive sash comes as standard with a central locking bar that opens the sash in a single pull. We also supply hinge covers as standard, together with the Hoppe secustic handle, which provides basic security features, in a wide range of colours at no extra cost. 68 mm windows have a double glazing unit with a thermal transmittance (Ug) of 1.1 W/m2K, 78 mm windows have a triple glazing unit with Ug= 0.6 W/m2K and 92 mm windows have a triple glazing unit with Ug= 0.5 W/m2K. This specification ensures airtightness, safe micro-ventilation and everyday comfort. Every element can be extended to suit the needs of a particular project.

Under current regulations, all windows supplied to the Polish market should be fitted with trickle vents where there is no mechanical ventilation. The type and capacity of the vent are decided by the client on the basis of the building’s ventilation design. Trickle vents are an extra-cost option.

The standard finish has contemporary, straight lines with slight rounding. The retro finish reproduces the details of historic joinery: additional rounding, decorative cover strips, glazing bars and period-style hardware. The retro version is chosen by clients building new houses in a style that references historic buildings, and for projects under conservation officer supervision.

Windows can also be fitted with: trickle vents, burglar-resistant glass, concealed hinges (no visible hinges), security hardware, glass with enhanced acoustic insulation, decorative glass (patterned or frosted glass), magnetic contacts (sensors connected to the alarm system) and lockable handles. The standard secustic Hoppe Tokyo window handle can also be replaced with another handle available on the market. All of the above accessories are extra-cost options.

Windows can also be fitted with fanlight openers and devices for ventilating rooms.

When choosing windows, it is also worth planning for external roller shutters and external blinds, which make a real difference to keeping heat in the building in winter and keeping heat out of the house in summer. External shading also helps protect the paint coating and considerably extends the intervals between renovations.

We plan the extras together with the quote, so that everything forms a coherent, well-thought-out system rather than a collection of separate add-ons.

As standard we offer our own, very wide range of translucent colours. In addition, colours from the RAL and NCS charts are available at no extra cost. Stains bring out the natural grain of the timber, while opaque paints give a uniform, smooth colour. We choose the final shade on samples, on the actual timber species, because the same colour looks different on different species. Before the order is carried out, the client receives colour samples to make the decision easier.

Yes. We finish windows in any colour from the RAL chart, either opaque or as a translucent stain that keeps the grain visible. A different finish on each side is also possible, for example one colour on the façade side and another inside, which clients often choose to match the joinery to the façade and the interior. A two-colour finish is available at extra cost.

Yes, we offer an oiled finish. The oil penetrates the timber and brings out its natural structure, giving a matt, warm effect. An oiled finish needs more frequent care than lacquer, so we advise on the choice taking into account the exposure of the windows and the client’s expectations regarding maintenance. Windows with an oiled finish undoubtedly look beautiful and natural.

We price every window individually because we make to measure. The price depends on the timber species, the profile, the glazing unit, the hardware and the finish. For clients we prepare a detailed quote based on the design or a site survey.

Since windows are an investment for several decades, clients choose the profile with the best performance currently available, which is 92 mm. For budget projects, or those with conservation requirements imposed, the most popular profile is 78 mm, which combines good thermal insulation with a slightly lower price. The 68 mm profile is also common in historic buildings. Alu-clad timber windows are becoming increasingly popular because of their dimensional stability, ensured by the timber construction on the inside, and the durability of the outer coating, ensured by the aluminium. We tailor our recommendation to the specific project and to the building regulations in force in the given market.

We give a 5-year guarantee on our joinery. The guarantee is conditional on correct installation by installation companies authorised by ABA Wiktorczyk and on regular care in line with the enclosed instructions, which we hand over together with the guarantee card and the proof of purchase of the windows.

Example guarantee terms for windows installed more than 30 km from the coastline:

• 60 months on the window construction and the correct operation of the hardware and the sealed glazing units where installation is carried out by an authorised installer, including 36 months on the paint coating;
• 60 months on the paint coating of the aluminium profiles in alu-clad timber windows. The protective film must be removed from the profiles no later than on the day of installation or, if that date is not known – on the day the joinery is collected.
• 36 months on the window construction, the painted coatings and the correct operation of the hardware and the sealed glazing units where installation is carried out by the client; and on joinery made of softwood with finger-jointed surfaces;
• 12 months on the paint coating in the version without the protective aluminium strip on the glazing bead and with a timber cover on the weather bar;
• oiled finishes are not covered by the guarantee.

The full scope and exclusions are set out in the guarantee card.

Joinery located less than 30 km from the coastline requires different paint products and stainless steel hardware. Guarantee terms are set individually.

The most common reports concern adjusting the hardware, especially after a change of season, minor touch-ups to the paint coating, failed seals in glazing units and scratches on the glass.

Most complaint reports are not actually complaints but service requests. The most common cause of problems during the guarantee period is wet work carried out after the windows have been installed. The most common reports not covered by the guarantee are: condensation on the glass and in the window frames due to a lack of ventilation in buildings, which can shorten the life of the paint coating and contribute to structural defects; mechanical damage during building work; scratches on the outer side of the glass; spontaneous glass breakage.

Maintenance involves oiling and adjusting the hardware once a year and, twice a year when cleaning the windows, applying special window care products, which can be bought at our premises. We hand over the care instructions at handover.

Regular care of the windows (an inspection) keeps them working trouble-free.

We carry out a professional site survey, because precise measurements are essential for correct installation and airtightness. We arrange the survey once the client has accepted the preliminary price offer. It takes place before the final quote is prepared and the contract is signed.

We supply windows and doors with installation, as well as a service replacing old windows with new ones. We agree the scope of work before the job starts. When windows are replaced, we recommend an airtight installation in line with current regulations. In new buildings, we recommend a “warm” installation within the insulation layer.

We deliver windows to every country in Europe. Our windows and doors have gone to Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy and the United Kingdom, among other countries.

We carry out surveys in Poland and Germany. For larger projects, further afield too, by prior arrangement. Whether a survey is possible is always agreed individually.

Yes, we make exclusively to measure. We do not work with ready-made, standard sizes: every window and door is made for a specific opening and project. This lets us produce shaped windows, large glazed areas and bespoke solutions that mass producers cannot deliver.

We make timber external doors to suit the style of the house and the windows. We make them to measure, with a choice of panels, glazing and hardware and complete freedom in choosing handles, pull handles and other accessories. We treat external doors as part of a coherent façade design, not as a separate catalogue product.

We have a catalogue of example door designs, but most projects are made to measure, to individual specifications. The designs serve as a starting point for discussing proportions and detail, and we tailor the final design to the client’s house.

No, we make timber internal doors to measure only. As with timber windows and timber external doors, we have no standard sizes for mass production. We tailor every door to the individual needs of the private client, the architect’s vision and the style of the interiors. The catalogue on the website serves as inspiration and a starting point. This approach works well wherever consistency with the rest of the joinery in the house matters.

We make internal doors from laminated solid timber. For production we use pine, oak and meranti. Leaves, door linings and architraves are all made of solid timber, unlike most manufacturers, who make these parts from veneered board.

Our range includes rebated internal doors, flush-fitting internal doors, reverse-opening internal doors, folding internal doors, pivot internal doors, glass internal doors and internal doors with a concealed frame. All doors are made of laminated solid timber.

We reproduce the historic appearance of windows, external and internal doors: profiles, layouts, glazing bars, mouldings and details, in line with conservation requirements. We prepare documentation for the conservation officer and take part in the consultations.

We offer double glazing units with Ug= 1.1 W/m2K and triple glazing units with Ug= 0.5-0.7 W/m2K. Glass with enhanced acoustic insulation, safety glass, burglar-resistant glass, patterned glass, stained glass and solar control glass are also available. We choose the glazing unit according to the purpose of the room, the size of the glazed area and the energy requirements of the project.

Yes, a timber window can be burglar-resistant. A resistance class, for example RC2, means a specific time and level of resistance to an attempt to force it open. We achieve it with reinforced perimeter hardware, a lockable handle, burglar-resistant glass and proper fixing of the glazing beads, which are permanently bonded in. The window is also fitted with magnetic contacts for connection to an alarm control panel. The burglary resistance certificate covers the whole window only if it is installed in line with the RC installation guidelines.

Yes. We make timber external doors in resistance class RC2 or RC3. Resistance comes from RC3 multipoint locks, a reinforced leaf construction and anti-lift hinge bolts. We choose the level of security to suit the location and the client’s needs. In addition, all external doors come as standard with a class C anti-drill cylinder. Where there is glazing, timber external doors are fitted as standard with class P4 burglar-resistant glass.

We use FUHR multipoint locks and Wilka class C anti-drill cylinders.

In addition, external doors can be fitted with a fingerprint reader with an app for opening the door via Bluetooth, a keypad, a card entry system, a connection to the door entry phone and other SMART solutions available on the market.

We choose the mechanism to match the security class of the door and the way the client wants to use it day to day.

Yes. We prepare our windows and doors for integration with smart home systems, including roller shutter control, opening sensors and electronic locks. We agree the scope at the design stage, so that the wiring and profile preparation are planned before production and the solutions used work together.

Yes. As part of a single order we supply external roller shutters, window boards and sills, fly screens and external blinds. Ordering the complete set in one place simplifies coordination and ensures matching colours and consistent installation. We agree the scope of extras together with the window quote.

We specialise in timber joinery, and it is the heart of our production. We choose timber deliberately, for its durability, natural character and the ability to reproduce detail that synthetic materials do not offer.

However, to meet our clients’ needs and provide a complete service in one place, we complement our range with PVC and aluminium windows, working only with the best manufacturers who share similar values and a similar quality of customer service to ours.

We do not make door leaves on their own. We make timber external doors and timber internal doors only from timber and complete with the frame.

We do not make fire-rated windows or doors. However, we equip our joinery with the solutions needed in public buildings to meet fire safety regulations and requirements, such as panic doors, air supply systems and automatic doors.

There is no single window that suits everyone; the right choice depends on the house, its orientation and the client’s budget. For energy-efficient houses we recommend the 92 mm profile with triple glazing, and for renovations a slimmer profile with the retro finish. We always base our recommendation on the specific project, not on a ready-made answer.

We make joinery for well-informed private clients and work with architects, contractors and renovation companies. We look after each of these groups differently, because different information matters to someone building a house than to an architect or contractor.

We work with architects and designers, providing technical documentation, profile drawings and the performance data needed for the project. We deliver non-standard and bespoke solutions, so we treat working with an architect as a partnership from the design stage, not just during manufacture.

We prepare the joinery documentation required by the conservation officer, including drawings, a description of the technology, samples and colours. Our experience with historic buildings allows us to run this process smoothly, so that the project obtains the necessary approvals and consents. This service is charged separately.

We take part in consultations with the conservation officer and in meetings with building companies and designers. Having the manufacturer at such meetings shortens the decision-making process and means technical questions about the joinery can be answered straight away. This service is charged separately.

We offer an on-site consultation, during which we advise on choosing the joinery, check the openings and installation conditions and discuss technical solutions. The consultation is particularly useful for renovations and bespoke projects, where decisions are best made on site. This service is charged separately.

We make all windows and doors to individual order, so we start working together not with a catalogue but by understanding your project. This way every project is tailored to a specific house rather than a ready-made size.

Working together can start in three ways, depending on the stage your project is at.

At the showroom. We invite you to a meeting where we show our products, timber species, finishes and hardware and prepare a preliminary quote. Before the visit, it is worth filling in our list of guiding questions, which helps organise your needs and shortens the conversation. After the meeting, we arrange a precise site survey at your building site.

With a quote. If you already have a finished design or specific guidelines, we prepare a quote on that basis, without a prior visit. Once the offer is accepted, we arrange the site survey and move on to agreeing the installation. This route works well with clients, architects and contractors who already have the project documentation.

On site. First we carry out the survey and agree the installation conditions, and only then do we meet at the showroom, where we present the products and prepare the offer.

Before the first meeting, it is worth filling in the list of questions, which helps to define your needs in advance.

We process the data you provide for the quote and survey in accordance with the GDPR. We inform you of the scope, purpose and manner of processing and of the party responsible for the data.

Once the order details are agreed, we discuss the financial side. For larger projects we propose terms matched to the scope of work. We confirm the cooperation with a contract, which we recommend signing at the showroom. The contract is binding once signed by both parties, and on that basis we pass the order to production.

The windows are made in our workshop, to measure, from laminated timber. At this stage the project becomes finished joinery, prepared for a specific opening and the arrangements made earlier.

When production is finished, we agree a convenient installation date, taking the weather into account. We ask you to be present during installation so that questions can be answered as they arise and the result assessed together. Finally, the joinery and installation work are handed over in the presence of our employee or the installation team. This is confirmed by a report signed by both parties.

That is not the end of our cooperation. After installation we stay in touch, advise on caring for the joinery and provide servicing, because well-made windows last for decades and we want it to stay that way.

If you are planning to build or replace your windows and doors, we invite you to talk to us about your project.