Case Study: West-Port
Background
West Port is a leading manufacturer of high-performance timber windows and doors, supplying projects across both public and private sectors. Their portfolio spans everything from high-end hotel refurbishments and major commercial developments to bespoke residential renovations.
At the core of their operation is a commitment to exceeding industry expectations in weather performance, security, accessibility, and long-term durability.
However, traditional timber glazing beads—by nature of their small, exposed profile—have historically been a weak point in window systems, often prone to movement, defects, and reduced lifespan.
“Easy to work with, easy to use.”
Solution
To eliminate these limitations, West Port has specified Qwood as its standard beading material since 2010.
The transition was seamless. Qwood can be machined, cut, and installed in exactly the same way as timber—without the need for specialist tools or changes to production processes. In fact, West Port found it easier to work with, thanks to its consistent structure, free from knots and raised grain, as well as its flexibility for curved and arched applications.
Results
By switching to Qwood, West Port has achieved a more consistent, higher-quality end product across its range.
Key benefits include:
Superior paint finish due to the smooth, uniform surface
Excellent dimensional stability, reducing movement over time
Increased durability in exposed, high-risk areas of the window
Greater manufacturing consistency with fewer defects and less waste
In most cases, the end customer is unaware of the material change—but the improvement is clear. Clients regularly comment on the overall finish and quality of the window, without realising the bead itself has been upgraded.
Testimonial
“Qwood is an excellent quality product offering substantial improvements over traditional timber beading.”
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.
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