Case Study: Performance Doorset Solutions

Background

Founded in 2003, PDS is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, purpose-built window and door systems for both residential and commercial applications. With a strong presence in the UK construction sector, the company is regularly involved at the design and specification stage of major projects.

Quality, service, and value sit at the core of the PDS offering—making consistency and long-term performance non-negotiable.

However, when specifying traditional timber systems, PDS encountered ongoing challenges linked to the natural behaviour of wood. Movement within glazing beads—through swelling, twisting, and general instability—could occur after installation, compromising the overall performance and finish of the window.

As Chris Moon, Purchasing Director, puts it:

“Timber is the only thing on the planet that is still alive when it’s dead.”

“Easy to work with, easy to use.”

Solution

Qwood was introduced as an alternative to traditional timber beading, with an initial trial quickly proving successful.

The material integrated seamlessly into production, using the same woodworking tools and techniques as natural timber. From a visual perspective, the transition was equally smooth—once painted, Qwood is indistinguishable from timber, with customers unable to tell the difference.

Results

By switching to Qwood, PDS has significantly improved the reliability and long-term performance of its window and door systems.

Key benefits include:

Minimal expansion and contraction in changing conditions
High moisture resistance, reducing risk in exposed environments
Zero rot, enhancing durability and lifespan
Consistent performance with no post-installation movement

While the initial material cost is higher than traditional timber, PDS has achieved substantial overall savings by eliminating costly site returns and remedial work.

The result is a more dependable product, improved customer satisfaction, and greater confidence at both specification and installation stages.

Testimonial

“Qwood delivers exactly what we need—consistency, stability, and long-term performance. It removes the uncertainty you get with timber and gives us complete confidence that what we install will stay exactly as intended, without the need for costly call-backs.”

Qwood Bead Innovation

Qwood is a timber composite which reflects the natural look and feel of timber. It can be machined just like traditional bars and beads, but it has no knots, defects, or imperfections. It is resistant to temperature and environmental changes, and will far outlast its timber alternatives.

A major advantage which Qwood has over traditional timber beads is the labour time saved in the manufacturing process. Every profile can be used straight out of the box, with no prep work. There is no need for de-nibbing, sanding, or other time-consuming tasks, and only a top coat of paint is required. The bars and beads can simply be cut to size with traditional joinery methods, and they are ready to paint and fit.

Qwood also has the benefit of superior longevity. It will not warp, rot, or swell over time, meaning that remedial work is greatly reduced. It is extremely stable, and its durability ensures excellent long-term performance. Plus, all of the timber which goes into the wood fibres used to manufacture Qwood is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Germany with full Chain of Custody certification available.

The products which Qwood manufactures includes various glazing bars and beads for casement windows, staff and parting beads for sliding sash windows, and a range of profiles for doors. As all Qwood profiles come ready-made, there is no need to select suitable timber pieces, or run them through a spindle moulder. Simply remove the profiles from the box, and use every piece, every time.