Softwood vs Hardwood in replacement sash windows

Does anyone have a view on the benefits of using hardwood vs softwood in replacement sash windows? Is the durability nuch better (the frames will be painted) or insignificant? The location is coastal.

Thanks for any help,

John

Plenty of softwood sash windows survive for 150 years + if looked after e.g. the paintwork is kept pristine.

Hardwood windows are no doubt more durable. If you feel you may not always be able to keep the paintwork in tip top condition (if it's a holiday home for example and you're not there the majority of the time), and if you can afford hardwood windows then opt for these.

Lob a lump of good quality hard wood & softwood out in the garden (or even better, bury it) and see which lasts longer. The hardwood will win by a long stretch.

My sashes are softwood. The house was built in 1847, but divided into flats. Those that have been looked after and well maintained are in great condition. Those that haven't, have been subject to wet rot.

(By the way, I'm carpenter/joiner by trade and re-furbishing sash windows is one area of my work.)

Don't use tropical hardwood whatever you do.

Oak last longest with or without painting.

The really important thing is that the paint must be vapour permeable. Real linseed oil paint is much better than anything else. It will allow the wood to stay dry and largely explains why softwood windows have lasted 200 years. It's only when the industry switched to alkyd resin paints in the mid 20th century that the rot set in.

The best paint is Swedish, imported by Holkham paints

I would go against Oak as it is too prone to warping. IMHO

Good softwood (canadian/pirana pine) can be treated to last as long as hardwood, but if money is no object its hardwood (good stuff mind, not some cheap rubbish thats feels like balsa wood) all day long.