Heritage Double Hung Box Frame Counterbalance Windows in Sydney have been crafted from Australian Cedar frames.
Here are some points of interest about Australian Cedar:
Before colonisation the native Australian Cedar was abundant and in huge stands, their preferred habitat was subtropical forests and river valleys.
This special timber the Indiginous People knew well. They used their trunks to carve tradition markings for directions as they were easily carved and the trees have great longevity.
From the moment of European colonisation in Sydney and surrounding areas, these trees were sought out as a resource, due to their easily workable softwood with great durability. They quickly became the go to timber to be used in household furnishings, doors trims, double hung sash window frames. The young trees were pink, the more mature and stronger timbers were dark red, to at times, almost black.
Often the logs were taken to the nearest waterway and floated to the mill. This required a huge amount of work and slowly but surely this became a major income for the millers. Very soon, it also became an out of control plunder during most of the 1800s. Before long, all the stands of cedar had been felled in the easily accessible areas around the Northern and Southern Sydney regions. Fellers then moved into Newcastle, and further afield in search of fresh cedar.
By the late 1800s most of the cedar stands and millable trees had vanished……gone…….
This Australian Red Cedar still remains today in homes containing Heritage Traditional Sash Windows, with some homes up to the early sixties.
The cedar timber cannot be surpassed for its strength, durability, longevity, and is soft and easily worked.
The frames and sashes, were crafted precisely and exquisitely. (Unlike today where the cedar windows are steamed to make the joints rigid which weakens the timber.)
The history of these windows and the tragic loss of these trees, is being neglected in our unrestored Heritage Sash Windows. We should cherish these windows and restore them; these Traditional Sash Windows are part of our history and should be treasured. Definately not tossed and wasted.