Teak Wood or UPVC? The Ultimate Window Guide for Kerala’s Monsoon Climate

Jack Ben Vincent
3 days ago
2 min read

For generations, a "proper" Kerala home meant one thing: Heavy Teak or Anjali wood windows with intricate carpentry. It was a sign of wealth and tradition.

But today, you walk into a showroom and see UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) windows that look sleek, lock instantly, and promise silence.

The confusion is real. Is wood outdated? Is UPVC just "cheap plastic"? As builders, we see the pros and cons of both every day. Here is the honest truth about which material survives best in our tropical climate.

1. The "Monsoon Swell" Test

Wood: We all know this struggle. In June/July, your wooden windows swell up due to moisture. They get stuck. You have to bang them shut or call a carpenter to plane them down.
UPVC: It is completely waterproof and does not absorb moisture. A UPVC window will open as smoothly in the middle of a monsoon downpour as it does in December.
Winner: UPVC (Hands down for functionality).

2. The "Silence" Factor (Noise Insulation)

Living near a busy road in Trivandrum or Kochi?

Wood: Standard wooden shutters have gaps. Noise leaks in easily.
UPVC: These come with a "Multi-Point Locking System" and rubber gaskets (EPDM) that seal the window air-tight. Combine this with Double Glazing, and it cuts outside noise by nearly 30-40 decibels.
Winner: UPVC (Peace and quiet).

3. The "Termite" Nightmare

Wood: Even the best Teak needs chemical treatment. If you miss a spot, or if there is dampness in the wall, termites will find it. It’s a constant anxiety.
UPVC: Termites don't eat plastic. Period.
Winner: UPVC (Zero anxiety).

4. The "Beauty & Status" Factor

Wood: There is no substitute for the rich grain, the smell, and the "heavy" feel of real Teak. It adds character and warmth that no factory product can replicate. For a traditional elevation, wood is mandatory.
UPVC: While "Wood-finish" laminates exist, they still look a bit artificial up close. White UPVC looks clean and modern, but it doesn't have the "soul" of wood.
Winner: Wood (For pure aesthetics).

5. The Cost Reality

Wood: Good quality Nilambur Teak is like gold. Plus, you pay for the frame, the shutter, the glass, the hinges, the polish, and the labor. It is expensive and time-consuming.
UPVC: It comes as a finished product. It is generally 20-30% cheaper than high-quality Teak. Installation takes hours, not weeks.
Winner: UPVC (Better value for money).

The Jack Constructions Recommendation: "The Hybrid Approach"

You don't have to choose just one. We recommend the 80/20 Rule:

The Main Door: Use Teak Wood. It’s the first thing people touch. Make it grand. Make it traditional.
The Windows: Use UPVC. They are for looking through, not at. You want them to be functional, rain-proof, and bug-proof.

Still worried UPVC will look "cheap"? Visit our experience center. We will show you "Laminated UPVC" profiles that mimic the texture of Golden Oak and Walnut so well, you have to touch them to know the difference.

Book a Session - +91 94001 00010