Your job is to create something beautiful, and our job is to help you do it.
At George Barnsdale, we understand the need to protect design intent whilst specifying products that can perform to the required standards and remain compliant. That’s why we are here to support architects from the very beginning of the project, providing expert support and knowledge that you can trust to support you throughout the project.
Many manufacturers struggle to combine strict performance requirements with heritage‑accurate aesthetics, resulting in products that compromise the original vision. We invest heavily in research and development to ensure our windows and doors deliver heritage accuracy, technical performance, and long‑term reliability – without compromise.
A Heritage Partner You Can Trust
Heritage, historic, conservation, and listed buildings require more than just windows and doors. They demand craftsmanship that stands the test of time, careful attention to period detail, and a partner who understands the unique challenges of working within historic environments.
At George Barnsdale, heritage is at the heart of what we do. We provide a truly bespoke service, crafting timber windows and doors that respect the character of each building while meeting the needs of modern performance standards. Highly customisable and meticulously made, every product is supported by our technical expertise from specification through to completion.
With extensive experience across listed buildings, conservation areas, and sensitive refurbishment projects, we work closely with architects, conservation officers, and local authorities to help develop compliant specifications that preserve and enhance the heritage significance of every project.
Build your timber window and door specifications with confidence
From CPD webinars to NBS specification material, we have a range of tools available to support you and your team throughout the specification process.
RESOURCE
NBS Specification
Access our CAD drawings for our standard items.
RESOURCE
Technical Specification
Access our technical specification information for each product.
RESOURCE
Resource Centre
Sign up to our Resource Centre for access to exclusive resources.
RESOURCE
Tech Talk
For expert specification advice, book your free Tech Talk with us today.
RESOURCE
NBS Source
Specify our timber windows and doors directly from NBS Source.
Why Specify George Barnsdale?
Made in Britain
UK manufacturer operating at the same site since 1884.
Bespoke solutions
Tailored to you and your specific project requirements.
Technical expertise
Our knowledgeable team can help you get it right first time.
Heritage capability
Our passion for preserving the UK’s architecture means we are often willing, where others may not be, to manufacture niche products.
Sustainability
We take a proactive approach to manufacturing to ensure we protect, conserve and minimise the environmental impact of our products.
Project support
We offer complete project support from design to installation to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Quality assurance
Tested and certified high-performing, long-lasting timber windows and doors.
Don’t just take our word for it…
See how we have supported architects and specifiers like you on projects across the UK.
CASE STUDY
Hamilton House – 1880s Charm meets Modern Safety with New Fire-Resistant Windows
CASE STUDY
Finest windows for the “finest business address” – Twenty Berkeley Square
CASE STUDY
Former Covent Garden seed merchant’s building blossoms with George Barnsdale windows
CASE STUDY
Cool Kampus project cottons on to timber windows & doors – Minto & Turner Building
Manufacturing & Craftsmanship
Sectors we cover
We have worked on a range of projects over the last 140 years across a range of sectors, including:
Supporting you through the RIBA Plan of Work
We have experience working with architects at every stage of the RIBA Plan of Work. As a manufacturer, we are here to support you at every stage of the project to ensure your projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Concept and early stages
We believe the most successful projects involve early engagement; that’s why we support architects from early concept and design stages to ensure the design intent is realised, technical requirements are met, and project objectives are achieved efficiently.
Planning and conservation requirements
We support architects in navigating planning and conservation requirements for heritage projects.
Detailed specification
We help develop specifications that align with design, performance, and heritage objectives.
Technical design
We provide technical guidance to support practical and buildable design solutions.
Performance requirements
e advise on achieving key performance and compliance requirements.
Surveys
We support site surveys and assessments to inform project decisions.
Manufacture
We manufacture products with precision, quality, and attention to detail.
Installation detailing
We provide installation details and guidance to support successful project delivery.
Our Process
Let's Discuss your next project
Benefit from a complete solution from a trusted, UK-made timber window and door manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can your timber windows and doors be specified for commercial and residential projects?
Yes. Our timber windows and doors can be specified on a range of commercial and residential projects. We have supplied timber windows and doors for high-end residential, heritage renovations, university accommodation, and commercial developments. Our products are fully bespoke and made to measure, so we can work with you to cater to even the most exacting project requirements.
Yes. Our timber windows and doors can be specified on a range of commercial and residential projects. We have supplied timber windows and doors for high-end residential, heritage renovations, university accommodation, and commercial developments. Our products are fully bespoke and made to measure, so we can work with you to cater to even the most exacting project requirements.
What performance data is available for specification?
We can provide a variety of performance data for our timber windows and doors, including:
- U-values
- Air permeability
- Water tightness
- Wind load resistance
- Acoustic performance
- Security
- Fire performance (where applicable)
We even have our own on-site test centre, where we often test our products to ensure they meet industry standards.
Do you provide BIM objects, CAD drawings and specification resources?
You can access a range of specification information on our website, including our NBS specification documents, CAD drawings, and technical specification data. You can also sign up to our Resource Centre for access to performance certificates, options guides, and other useful content (brochures and guides) to help build your specifications. Sign up today to gain access.
Upon request, we also provide BIM objects on a project-by-project basis.
Do your timber windows and doors meet Part L requirements?
As wooden window and door manufacturers, George Barnsdale’s standard products have been at 1.4 W/m2K for a long time and most items meet this standard with 1.2W/m2K double glazed units so our job is a bit simpler than many window manufacturers. However, we will need to use 1.0W/m2K double glazed units more often particularly if small units with glazing bars are used. Architects may specify more triple glazing to ensure the highest performance. For doors, there will be a requirement for thicker insulation panels and this will also require thicker doors and sashes (min 68mm thick as standard for us).
Are your products suitable for conservation areas and listed building projects?
Yes, our timber windows and doors are suitable for conservation areas and listed building projects. They are the ideal choice for maintaining the traditional character of a building whilst meeting modern performance standards. We understand the importance of adhering to strict conservation requirements while ensuring the aesthetic of historic properties is preserved and so our timber windows and doors are designed to replicate the authentic details of period architecture, with features such as slim sightlines, traditional joints, and glazing bars.
For more information on our bespoke timber windows, contact us today. Our dedicated team will be in touch as soon as possible.
What timber species do you offer?
The timber types we offer are Engineered Redwood, European Oak, Accoya, and Grandis Hardwood.
We only procure timber species that we are confident will allow us to manufacture premium, high-performance timber windows and doors.
More information about our timber types can be found here: Sourcing Our Timber – George Barnsdale
Are your timber windows and doors sustainable?
All our products here at George Barnsdale are specially crafted using sustainably sourced timber, and we are committed to using timber that is FSC certified. This certification ensures the wood used in our timber windows is from forests where biodiversity and ecological balance are protected.
If you’re looking to use responsibly sourced wood for your next building project, look no further than our bespoke timber windows and doors. Professionals and homeowners can contact a member of our team, who can provide further information on how we source, prepare, and quality check our timber windows for an attractive and long-wearing final build.
All our products here at George Barnsdale are specially crafted using sustainably sourced timber, and we are committed to using timber that is FSC certified. This certification ensures the wood used in our timber windows is from forests where biodiversity and ecological balance are protected.
If you’re looking to use responsibly sourced wood for your next building project, look no further than our bespoke timber windows and doors. Professionals and homeowners can contact a member of our team, who can provide further information on how we source, prepare, and quality check our timber windows for an attractive and long-wearing final build.
How long do timber windows and doors last?
With the correct care and maintenance, our durable timber windows can last for 60 years or more. Our advanced coating system will help protect the wood from UV damage and moisture, which are the main causes of deterioration.
The robust nature of wood, combined with modern preservative treatments, allows timber windows to withstand the test of time, maintaining their structural integrity and design far longer than many synthetic alternatives.
