Aluminum or Clad Wood? Balancing Warmth and Modern Performance

Which looks better? For years, aluminum has been the go-to in hurricane-rated windows—even for traditional homes. It’s strong, clean, and offers minimal sightlines that modern design often demands. But when it comes to the lived-in feel of a space, clad wood windows bring something aluminum simply can’t match.

Many high-end homes—modern and traditional alike—still favor real wood interiors for good reason. Wood adds warmth, texture, and a natural refinement that elevates the feel of a space. And today’s clad wood systems are engineered to perform, with hurricane ratings and large-format capability.

Yes, they’re more expensive. But for projects where the interior finish matters just as much as the exterior architecture, clad wood is often worth the investment.

And don’t write them off because of old stories of rot—many of those failures were due to bad designs or poor installations. With proper detailing, today’s well-engineered clad wood windows perform exceptionally, even in coastal conditions.

Aluminum still has its place, especially when minimalism and slim profiles are key. But when your vision calls for a space that feels warm, inviting, and tailored, don’t overlook what real wood brings to the experience.