How much does it cost to install or replace wood windows?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Wood windows have a timeless and historical elegance. In fact, wood has been the window frame material of choice for hundreds of years and continues to be a popular option today. Therefore, wood windows are a beautiful choice for homeowners seeking to add to the period feel of a classic home or infuse character and charm into newer houses.

The national average cost to install wood windows is $650 to $1,300, with most people spending around $1,256 on 10 pine double-hung replacement windows with insulated, argon-filled glass with a low-E coating and exterior aluminum cladding, fully installed. This project’s low cost is $575 for a single solid pine replacement single-hung window with standard glass. The high cost is $4,335 to replace all the windows in the home with custom Douglas fir windows of varying types, all with krypton-filled, spectrally selective glass.

Wood Windows Cost

Wood Window Costs by Type

Wood windows are a very popular option for many homes. They are attractive, better at insulating than most other materials, and can be warrantied for up to 50 years, making them a good choice for many homeowners. They can be found in three basic types - prefab, made-to-order, and custom. Prefab or off-the-shelf windows are the lowest cost but the least common. These windows are most commonly used in new construction or in very basic replacements. They come in standard sizes, are almost exclusively unfinished pine, and have limited glass options. Made-to-order windows give you more choices at a higher price tag. Made-to-order is the most common method of ordering wood windows. You choose the glass type, frame finish, and the frame, which is usually pine but may also be Douglas fir or mahogany. The frames can be solid wood and finished on both sides, or some companies may clad the exterior in vinyl or aluminum to reduce the maintenance.

Custom wood windows have the highest costs but also the most options. If you have an oddly sized window or want a specific wood frame, this is your best option. Keep in mind that custom costs vary depending on the window size and type and the wood type. Some woods are not readily available for frames but may be used for a custom window at a high premium, such as oak, which is very difficult to work with and has a much higher price tag than the more common woods. Each of the three types has a range of costs, depending on the window size and style. Below are the average costs to install a wood window in the three different types.

Wood Window Price by Size

The windows in your home may vary in different sizes, depending on the location. From small kitchen windows to oversized picture or bay windows, it is very common for a home to have several different window sizes. This means that when you replace your windows, your costs will likely range. Wood windows are available in many different styles and sizes. Most are available as prefab/off-the-shelf, made-to-order, and custom, although you may have difficulty finding all sizes and types in a prefab wood window. Because large windows require more material than smaller windows, most window costs increase with size. Because different window styles come in different sizes, there can be a wide range of costs for each type, depending on how complex the window is. Below are the average costs for small, medium, and large windows in the three types. Small windows include small sash windows, awning, and transom windows. Medium windows include casement, most sash windows, and some sliding windows. Large windows include bigger sliders, picture, and bay windows.

Wooden Window Price by Type of Window

Wood windows are available in every window type you find in your home. They are one of the oldest window frame types and are still popular. A wood window is well-insulated and made to last. Therefore, it is possible to install wood windows in your home regardless of the window type or style you currently have installed. This includes classic windows, such as casement and sash, and more contemporary styles like sliding. All window types can be found in prefab, made-to-order, and custom frames and may have a wide cost range. Below are the average costs for wood windows based on style for the three construction types.

Single-Hung Wood Window

A single-hung prefab wood window costs $300 to $500 for the window only. The cost of a made-to-order single-hung wood window averages $500 to $800, and the average cost of a custom window is $600 to $1,000. Single-hung windows are a type of sash window. The upper glass panel is fixed, while the lower section can slide up and down. This is a common window type in new construction because it is less expensive than other types. This window type is one of the most common as a prefab window.

Wood Transom Window

The average cost of a wood transom prefab window is $300 to $800 per window. The average cost of this window made-to-order is $500 to $1,100, while the cost of this custom-made window averages $600 to $1,600. Transom windows are small rectangular windows that hinge at the bottom. The window opens at the top by hinging down and out. These windows are mostly used for ventilation and may be installed on top of a larger fixed window. They resemble awning windows when shut.

Wood Awning Window

The average cost of a prefab wood awning window is $300 to $800. The cost of a made-to-order wood awning window is $500 to $1,200, and the cost of a custom wood awning window averages $600 to $1,600. Awning-style windows have a hinge at the top, and the window opens outward at the bottom. Since the sash presses against the frame when the window is closed, awning-style windows are less prone to air leakage than other windows. This style is often used in basements.

Fixed Wood Window

The cost of a fixed wood prefab window averages $300 to $900. The cost of a made-to-order fixed wood window is $500 to $1,200, and the cost of a custom fixed wood window averages $600 to $1,800. Fixed windows do not open because the glass panes are fixed in place. These windows come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, from small round decorative windows to much larger picture windows. The final costs are determined by the window size, glass type, and how the frame is finished.

Wood Picture Window

The average cost of a prefab wood picture window is $300 to $900. The cost of a made-to-order wood picture window averages $500 to $1,200, while the cost of a custom wood picture window averages $600 to $1,800. Picture windows 2 are a variety of windows traditionally found in living rooms and rooms with a view. A picture window is a fixed window made of one piece of glass to maximize the visibility through the pane. They get their name because the frame essentially creates a picture of the outdoors. Despite their size, they tend to be less expensive than many windows with moving parts.

Wood Skylight

The average cost of a prefab wood skylight is $300 to $1,200. The cost of a made-to-order wood skylight is $500 to $1,800, and the cost of a custom wood skylight averages $600 to $2,500. Skylights come in several types and sizes. Many have a visible frame, making wood a good choice because it helps enhance the window’s appearance. Wood skylights are more likely to have a vinyl or aluminum outer cladding, and some manufacturers only produce them this way.

Wooden Sliding Window

The average cost of wooden sliding prefab windows is $350 to $1,000 per window. The average cost of a made-to-order wooden sliding window is $550 to $2,000 per window, while a custom wooden sliding window costs $700 to $3,000. Sliding windows open horizontally with either one or both panes moving sideways to open. This window is often favored by homeowners who want quick, easy-to-open windows with no crank handles. Sliding windows come in many sizes, including very large, oversized windows that give you an alternative to a picture window with ventilation./p>

Wood Casement Windows

The average cost of a wooden prefab casement window is $400 to $800. The average cost of a made-to-order wood casement window is $600 to $1,200, and a custom casement window costs $800 to $2,600. Casement windows are single glass panes with a vertical hinge on the outside of the frame. The windows open outward and are a favorite choice for rooms that require ventilation. Most casement windows use a crank to operate, but some can be pushed open, and many newer models are automated.

Arched Wood Window

The average cost of a prefab arched wood window is $400 to $900, although these windows are extremely rare. The average cost of a made-to-order arched window is $600 to $1,300, and the cost of a custom arched wood window is $800 to $2,800. Arched windows are fixed windows with a bow or arch at the top. They can be long and thin, designed to be installed above another window for added height and light, or they can be taller and thinner. These windows are more decorative than other options, and while they are fixed, they tend to be more expensive because of the arch at the top. Most arched wood windows are custom.

Wood Double-Hung Windows

The average cost of a prefab wood double-hung window is $400 to $900. A made-to-order double-hung window costs $600 to $1,300, while the cost of a custom double-hung window is $800 to $2,800. Double-hung wood windows operate similarly to single-hung windows, except that both the bottom and top sash are moveable. This allows for increased air circulation. Double-hung windows are one of the more popular styles used today. Many have a tilt-in option for the upper sash to make them easier to clean.

Wood Egress Window

The average cost of a prefab wood egress window is $400 to $1,000. The average cost of a made-to-order wood egress window is $500 to $1,800, and the cost of a custom wood egress window averages $600 to $2,000. An egress window means that the window can be used as an exit. The term is frequently used to describe basement windows in bedrooms because the window must be an egress. However, you can have an egress window in any room of the home, and it may be a sash, casement, or sliding window, provided it is large enough to allow for passage when fully open.

Wooden Bay Windows

The average cost of a prefab wooden bay window is $800 to $2,000. The cost of a made-to-order wooden bay window is $1,800 to $3,500, while the cost of a custom window is $2,400 to $4,000. Bay windows are one of the most expensive styles. A bay window is made of three fixed frame windows - a larger center window with a smaller one on each side. The windows jut out from the house, providing visual appeal and additional square footage inside the home. Bay windows were popularized during the Victorian era and are most often seen in the breakfast nooks of modern homes.

Wood Garden Window

The average cost of a prefab wood garden window is $900 to $1,200. The cost of a made-to-order garden window is $1,200 to $1,500, and the cost of a custom wood garden window is $1,800 to $2,000. A garden window has four sections of glass - one at the front, one at the top, and one at each side. The window itself extends outward from your home and leaves a space for plants at the bottom. The sides and sometimes the front of the window may be movable for ventilation. They can also include shelves to store more plants.

Cost of Wooden Window Frames by Type of Wood

There are many species of wood, all of which have different characteristics, weights, colors, and other attributes. The vast majority of wood windows use pine for the frame. This is because pine is lightweight, a very good insulator, and easy to work with. Pine helps create a good seal for your window, so it can last for decades, and as a softwood, it is also less expensive. However, many companies that make made-to-order windows also offer frames in Douglas fir and mahogany on any of their windows. These are more expensive, with Douglas fir being a little harder to work with and slightly more durable than pine, and mahogany being more difficult to source but with a beautiful grain and finish.

In addition, you can choose between these woods and often oak, depending on the company for your custom window. Oak is very difficult to work with for window frames, so it will have a much higher cost, but if you have oak in other areas of the room the window is installed in, it can give you a better match. Some companies have other woods available for custom frames, but the costs need to be sourced at the time of order because the availability of those woods may change. Below are the average costs for a window made with the varying frame materials indicated in the construction types they are available in.

Wooden Window Glass Price by Type of Pane

In addition to choosing the wood species for your wood window frames, you also need to select a glass to put in the frame. The glass choice also determines the overall per-window cost. First, select the number of panes - single, double, or triple-pane. The more panes your windows have, the more energy-efficient they are. In double and triple-pane windows, the space between the windows can be filled with argon or krypton, dense gasses that further enhance the window’s energy efficiency.

Several coating options may be applied to your windows. Reflective window coatings reduce the heat coming in during the summer. A low-E coating is a thin metal coating that takes the protection of reflective coatings one step further. Low-E also blocks the harmful UV rays that fade furniture, carpets, and window treatments, along with damaging your eyes and skin. In particularly warm and sunny climates, spectrally selective coatings are popular because they allow light to enter the room while blocking 40% to 70% of the heat transfer.

In most cases, prefab windows have some insulating properties, such as double-paned glass, low-E glass, or argon-filled glass. If you want multiple properties for your windows, such as different coatings, glass types, or number of panes, you need to have your window made to order. Because costs vary greatly for made-to-order and custom windows due to the way the different glass types may be applied and combined with different wood frames, costs cannot be easily calculated. You need to get a custom quote. Below are the average costs for prefab wood windows using the various glass types available.

Wooden Window Price by Brand

Wooden windows are available in both made-to-order and custom types from several brands, with a few brands also offering a more limited range of prefab windows. Wooden windows are slightly less common today than vinyl windows, meaning fewer window companies make wooden windows compared to brands that make vinyl. However, the brands that produce wooden windows are generally very well known and produce high-quality windows that can have warranties of more than 50 years.

Each brand making wooden windows has attributes to consider. For example, Marvin and Pella both make solid wooden windows without cladding and windows with an exterior aluminum cladding. Andersen wood windows always have a vinyl exterior cladding. Therefore, Andersen wood windows cost slightly more in some cases than other brands. When it comes to the wood, most brands offer pine as standard, with fir and mahogany options for made-to-order windows. If you want additional choices, Jeld-Wen has the most options for exotic hardwoods. Ply Gem has more prefab options than many other companies, which can be a good fit if you need a window quickly. Below are the average costs for some of the most popular brands that make wooden windows.

Wood Replacement Windows Cost

Sometimes a prefab wood window is used in new construction, but most wood windows are used in window replacements today. Wood windows have a charm and beauty that other materials cannot match and can last considerably longer. The average cost to install a wood window is $200 to $300 per window for most average-sized windows, with the average labor rate for window installers at $40 to $60 per hour. Very large windows can cost up to $800 per window in labor because you may need additional installers. These costs usually include removing the old window, but if you have a particularly difficult-to-remove window or a window in a difficult-to-reach area, you may have an additional cost of $50 per window. While most companies dispose of old windows at no additional cost, some charge a fee for this service, ranging from $25 per window to a flat rate for the entire job.

New installations can cost slightly less, particularly in new construction where prefab windows are common and there is no existing window to remove. Labor costs for new construction usually average $150 to $200 per window. These costs are for the replacement of between 1 and 4 windows. After 5 windows, many installers give you a discount on the labor, with additional windows getting more discounts. This can mean that replacing several windows simultaneously is more affordable overall than replacing them piecemeal. Below are the average labor costs per window based on the number of windows you are replacing at one time.

Replace All Wood Windows in a Home

The average number of windows in a home is 22. Some larger homes may have as many as 30 windows, while smaller homes may have as few as 15. Given that labor costs are generally lower for replacing many windows at once, if all the windows in your home need to be replaced, it is usually less expensive to do it all at once rather than over time. While this has a higher upfront cost, it can work out to considerable savings in total, particularly if you have more than 25 windows to replace. Some window companies may also give you a break on the cost of the window itself if you purchase multiple at one time. Below are the average costs to replace all the wood windows in a home simultaneously, assuming a mixture of the most common window types.

Aluminum-Clad Wood Windows Price

Wood windows provide a beautiful, classic look, but they also require more maintenance on the exterior because the wood is exposed to the elements. Therefore, many companies offer exterior cladding on their wood windows to help combat this. Aluminum is one of the most common materials used for external cladding. These windows have aluminum overlaid on the exterior side of the frame. From the inside of the home, the wood frame is still visible. While you may need to occasionally repaint or stain the interior, it is far less frequent than the exterior wood needs if it were not aluminum clad. Aluminum-clad exteriors only need periodic cleaning and rarely need repainting. They average $500 to $2,000 per window.

Wood Window Restoration Cost

If you have older wood windows that you do not want to replace, you may be able to restore them to help bring back their beauty. Wood window restoration involves removing the glass panes from the frames, cleaning, sanding, and repairing any frame damage, repairing or replacing broken sashes, and reinstalling the glass or replacing any cracked panes. If the glass was not energy efficient before, it cannot be upgraded. However, the seal can be replaced, helping stop drafts, while restoring the beauty and function of the windows. This is most commonly done with historic homes to help preserve the original windows. Costs range from $400 to $1,000 per window restored, depending on the amount of damage and window size and type. Due to the cost, most people only opt for restoration on historic homes and choose to replace windows with more energy-efficient upgrades in other cases.

Benefits

Selecting wood windows for your home offers many advantages, including visual appeal, thermal performance, longevity, and environmental friendliness. The many benefits of wood windows explain why this historical material is still used in today’s homes. Wood windows lend a historic traditional look to a classic home. If your historic home has previously had its original windows removed, new wood windows recapture its former look. Wood windows are easily painted in your color choice so that they work perfectly with your home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wood has an R-value, or insulative rating, of 1.41 per inch for softwoods, the most common window frame. The higher the R-value, the more insulative the material. By comparison, the R-value of aluminum is 0.61, and the R-value of steel is only 0.0031. Properly maintained wood windows have a long lifespan, with most warrantied for 50 years. While more expensive than vinyl or aluminum windows, they can outlast them by more than twice as long while providing better insulation.

Maintenance

The expected lifespan of a wood window depends on the quality, maintenance frequency, and care it receives. Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is necessary for a wood window to maintain its appearance, energy efficiency, and overall performance. On the interior, most windows only need to be cleaned and periodically painted or stained as needed. If not clad in aluminum or vinyl, the window exterior should be regularly scraped, painted, and stained to help protect the wood. The windows should also be inspected yearly for loose caulk. Any loose or missing caulk should be replaced to help keep the window sealed. If you use weatherstripping, this can be inspected at the same time.

Comparing the Cost of Wood Windows With Other Materials

In addition to wood, you can find windows with many other materials for the frame. These include aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and steel. Each has its own attributes that may make one a better fit for your home over another. For example, vinyl windows are lower maintenance than wood and with a very low starting cost. However, vinyl windows can sometimes be more expensive than wood because they may need to be insulated or have their frame strengthened to hold larger glass panes. Aluminum windows are also fairly inexpensive, but they do not offer any of the insulating benefits of wood or the appearance and beauty. Fiberglass windows are popular for their insulating factor and more closely resemble wood. They are slightly less costly than wood, but costs begin to overlap with some sizes.

Steel is a very uncommon material for windows. It is strong and durable but does not insulate well, and it is very costly. The cost of steel windows vs wood always leans in favor of wood in terms of the initial cost and ongoing costs. However, for the cost of wood windows vs vinyl, vinyl can be less upfront while costing more over time, and wood vs aluminum window costs are similar. Aluminum is less expensive upfront but costs more in energy costs and may need replacement sooner. Below are the average costs for the different window materials, with costs ranging from prefab to custom.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Painting Wooden Window Frames

If your wood windows are not clad on the exterior in aluminum or vinyl, you must paint them every few years with the rest of your home’s trim. The paint helps protect the wood from the elements and makes it last longer. Interior wood frames do not need to be painted as often, but you may want to paint them from time to time to update the window’s appearance. The cost to have your frames painted is similar to the cost of having the trim painted at $2 to $6 a linear foot.

Wooden Storm Windows

Adding an exterior storm window provides additional insulative value and noise reduction, along with extending the life of your wood windows by protecting them from the elements. Storm windows can come with a wooden frame that you can paint to help match the rest of your exterior and the wood frame of your windows. The average cost of wood storm windows is $200 to $400 per window for the material.

Window Screens

If your windows open, installing a window screen keeps out bugs and dirt while allowing for good airflow. Screens are a quick, inexpensive, and practical addition to new or replacement windows. In most cases, installers install the screens along with the windows at no additional cost. However, if you want to upgrade or replace existing screens, expect costs of around $100 to $400 on average.

Wood Window Shutters

If your home is clad in wood siding and you want the look of plantation shutters or functional shutters on your home, you can install wood shutters. These are large shutters that can close over your windows rather than the fixed composite or vinyl shutters that are more decorative. They cost between $200 and $700 per window installed and need the same upkeep as your wood siding and wood window frames.

Wood Window Blinds

Window blinds give your windows the option of privacy. They can also help block out the sunlight and enhance the appearance of your home. They come in many different materials, including wood. Natural wood blinds can be prefab or custom and range from $30 to $300 per window for materials. Costs depend on the style, size, and wood type.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. You may need a permit if you change the home’s structure to install the windows. Check with your local municipality to find out more.
• Priming. Many wooden windows come unpainted, and some come primed but not painted. If your windows are not primed, prime them before you paint.
• Historic homes. Some experts say that existing wood windows should be repaired rather than replaced. Replacing old wood windows removes part of the house’s historic character, and in many cases, the new windows will not last as long as the original ones would have had they been repaired. The wood used to construct older windows was likely a higher-quality old-growth lumber, which is more rot-resistant than today’s wood options.
• Airflow. A fixed window style is the most energy-efficient but does not allow airflow. The most efficient opening window styles are awning and casement windows since their sashes press against the window frame to provide a more airtight seal compared to sliding or double-hung models.
• Payment options. If you need to install multiple new windows throughout your home and are concerned about the cost, check with your manufacturer and installer. In many cases, you may be eligible to set up a payment plan rather than paying for everything at once or putting it on a credit card.
• Energy Star. Many wood windows are Energy Star rated. Wood is a good insulator, and when paired with energy-efficient glass options, your wood windows could help you save energy. Look for the Energy Star symbol on the windows.
• Location. The location in your home of your windows may impact costs. Windows installed in hard-to-reach locations may have higher labor costs, while windows in some locations may be smaller and have lower material costs.