The choice of frames and fixtures is essential, both when you build a house from scratch, and when you are restoring a building. This choice is, nowadays, even more delicate as there are some standards that, if respected, allow you to access various kind of benefits, including the italian eco-bonus.

Among the indispensable features they have to guarantee energy and thermal-acoustic savings. The amount depends on the type of fixture chosen and the material they are made of: wood, aluminium and PVC present, each one, different characteristics and peculiarities. Windows and doors are essential elements for the living comfort. In this article we are explaining how to make the best choice.

Difference between frame and fixture

Often we use the terms frame and fixture as synonyms, even though they are not the same thing. The frame is the rigid structure attached to the wall that allows the fixture to do its job.

The fixture is, instead, an architectonic element which duty is to close an opening; it is installed on the frame’s hinges. Fixtures are, therefore, windows, doors and patio doors.

Frames and fixtures represent the alpha and omega of the same structure. They are complementary and have to be chosen together to optimise the overall efficiency of the door or window.

Types of fixtures

There are three main types of fixtures, divided based on the material they are made of:

• Aluminium fixtures. They are the most common type. That is because aluminium is a material with many great qualities: it is affordable, strong, long-lasting, versatile and it requires the minimum maintenance. Moreover, it is available in different shapes, including the rounded once, and a classic design, matching every style.
• PVC fixtures. Original, light, adaptable and pleasant to the eye fixtures. All these peculiarities contributed to their diffusion. PVC is a functional acoustic and thermal insulator, able to adapt to many different contexts, relating perfectly to both the outdoor and indoor of the house. As aluminium, PVC has an affordable price and requires little maintenance; the cleaning phase is easy too.
• Wood fixtures. Wood is an ancient material. Elegant, eco-friendly, fine and entirely renewable. It allows to produce fixtures with a particular and antique elegance, making the atmosphere always cosy and nice. Differently from the previous ones, to be long lasting and guarantee the correct thermal and acoustic insulation they require more maintenance.

Which fixtures should you choose?

The choice of fixtures is something personal, a choice to make taking into account personal taste, context and the specific style of a house. Every material has its features that make it interesting.

The optimal solution is to always select design fixtures to match the frames’. The ideal fixtures are the ones guaranteeing the correct insulation, both thermal and acoustic, so to make the home comfortable everyday, increasing its commercial value too. Beautiful and functional furniture solutions are able to positively impact on the bills costs too, a crucial aspect these days.