How Much Does It Cost To Install A Sliding Window?

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A sliding window opens from side to side rather than up and down. They’re appealing for several reasons. First, they offer more airflow than traditional double-hung windows, and they don’t have a sash through the center of the view. The national average price to install a sliding window is $740, ranging from $525 to $955, depending on the factors listed below.

On the low end, homeowners pay $158 for a small aluminum single slider and install it themselves. However, for owners of luxury homes, the sliding window replacement cost can be as much as $2,430 for a standard-sized, wood-framed triple slider.

Costs to install a sliding window

*National averages include material and labor costs.

Factors that influence sliding window installation cost

A few factors influence the price of a sliding window installation. The style, material, and size always affect the cost of building materials. But with windows, the type of glass is also a factor. In this guide, we look at these factors, and a few more, to see how they will affect the overall cost.

Size

While you may find windows at big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s with measurements by the inches, typically, they’re priced by a square foot range. Here, we’ve listed the price ranges for replacing the most common standard-size sliding windows.

Cost of a sliding window by popular sizes

*These costs reflect labor and materials. The final price depends on the type of glass and material.

Material

All windows, whether sliding, picture, double-hung, or bay windows, come in various materials to complement the home's style. Also, ease of maintenance and color options are important factors when choosing windows. For instance, vinyl frames require less care than wood windows and come in many color options. On the other hand, wood can be painted or stained but must be sealed regularly to protect it from the elements.

Here, we’ve listed the price ranges to replace a sliding window of the most common materials.

Cost of a sliding window by popular frame materials

*These ranges reflect labor and material costs. The final price depends on the type of glass and window size.

Style

Sliding windows come in three styles to complement your home: single, double, and triple slide. So give some thought before choosing the right sliding configuration for your needs.

• A single sliding window opens on one side. It can open from the left or right, but not both. So, you’ll want to decide which way you want it to operate before choosing. Homeowners typically choose single sliders to replace small windows.
• Double sliding windows open on both sides. They’re slightly more expensive than a single slider. A wide double slider makes a great addition to the kitchen as a pass-through for the outdoor bar and grill.
• For large windows, you may want a triple slider. A triple sliding window includes a stationary panel in the center with a sliding panel on each side. They typically replace picture windows flanked by double- or single-hung windows. Triple sliders are the most expensive option.

Type of glass

A window’s cost could vary depending on your chosen glass (glazing).

• Single-pane - Windows with a single pane of glass may save you money now, but they’re the least energy-efficient and will cost you higher energy bills every month going forward.
• Multi-pane - Most new window installations include double-pane windows. However, uber-energy-conscious homeowners will choose triple-pane windows for added efficiency. Multiple layers of glass provide insulation and sound blocking. In addition, triple panes offer added protection in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. 
• Laminated glass - Laminated glass is designed to withstand high-impact and strong-force winds. 
• Low-E coating - Coated glass minimizes energy loss by reducing sunlight that causes heat. It also blocks harmful UV rays that deteriorate home furnishings.
• Gas-filled panes - The most expensive and energy-efficient windows have argon gas or krypton gas-filled panes to provide superior insulation.

Additional factors

A few additional factors have a minor effect on the cost of windows. They include the location in the home, brand, and energy-efficiency rating. Let’s look at these factors to help you choose the right one for your home.  

Labor

An engineer could charge from $1,692 to $3,079 for this project.

The cost for a framing contractor to install a window is from $45 to $134 per hour.

Replacing windows requires professional expertise. Hiring a professional makes the job go smoother and faster. You also have peace of mind that it’s done right. However, labor costs vary, depending on where you live and the scope of work.

For instance, replacing an existing window is one thing, but retrofitting a new sliding window in an older home without one is more involved. First, an engineer must confirm that the wall will support the opening. Then, a framing carpenter must open the wall and build a window frame with a header, sill, and other supporting components. This extra labor will add to the installation cost.

Location of the window

If you want to replace a window on the second floor, you may have to pay a bit more. Second-story installation could include the use of scaffolding, extension ladders, and other safety precautions that add to the cost.

Brand

Some brands of sliding windows cost more than others. The more expensive window brands offer a higher-quality product, exceptional customer service, and a longer warranty period. Popular sliding window manufacturers include Renewal by Andersen, Pella, and Jeld-Wen.

ENERGY STAR rating

ENERGY STAR-certified windows lower energy costs by about 12 percent. But windows require features like multiple gas-filled panes and low-E glass to meet ENERGY STAR standards. When you add these features, the sliding window cost is higher.

The average cost to install a sliding window

Generally, the cost to install a sliding window falls into three pricing tiers. To help you stay within your budget and get the best you can afford, we’ve broken down the options you could find in each tier. 

Budget-friendly sliding window installation

The average cost of a budget-friendly sliding window ranges from $158 to $288.

Of course, you can save on the project's total cost by replacing the window yourself. However, we don’t recommend it. Unless you’re skilled in window replacement, having installed a number of windows of different types and sizes, this is a job best left to a professional. A budget-friendly sliding window replacement project will include a DIY installation of a standard-sized single sliding aluminum window.

Mid-range sliding window installation

The average cost of a mid-range sliding window ranges from $525 to $955.

In this budget category, you will hire a professional to install the window and choose a medium-sized aluminum or vinyl frame to complement your home. Depending on your budget, you may install a double slider from a more expensive brand. And if you’ve been eyeing your neighbor’s new black-framed vinyl windows, you may find a color option affordable, too.

High-end sliding window installation

The average cost of a high-end sliding window ranges from $1,112 to $2,024 for standard sizes.

For your luxury home, you can afford to have the largest size, triple sliding window professionally installed. Because you need to match the rest of the windows in your home, you opt for a custom color vinyl or wood frame. High-end installations aren’t restricted to standard sizes, either. So, if you want to replace an odd-sized picture window, working within this tier, you can afford to have a replacement custom-built.

Pros and cons of sliding windows

Can I DIY a sliding window installation?

Installing windows is a tricky business. One wrong move and your window could leak, break, or perform poorly. Therefore, we don’t recommend DIYing any type of window installation. However, if you have some carpentry skills and window experience, have at it. But, if you have to watch YouTube to learn how to install a window, you should probably leave this job to a professional.

CTA: Hire a local professional to install your new sliding window.

Paying for your new sliding window 

Most homeowners can pay cash to install one sliding window. However, if it’s an emergency and a strain on your budget, or if the project is more involved because you found hidden damage that needs repairing, here are a few options to help you pay for the job.

• Ask about financing. If you’re using a window installation company, ask about financing options. 
• Withdraw funds from your HELOC. Borrowing against your home equity line of credit for a new sliding window should be easy. If you don’t have a HELOC set up, speak with a local lender to do so.
• Use a low-interest credit card. Credit cards were created for emergencies. As long as you pay it off promptly, using one is better than going without and incurring more damage to your home.

Ways to save money on a sliding window 

Most people are more conscious of the expenditure when paying cash. Here are a few tips to save you on the budget.

• Shop around. Always compare retail prices. Or, visit stores that sell reusable construction materials for the correct size window.
• Choose a less expensive material. If your new window doesn’t need to match the rest of your home, choose a less costly material to save money.
• Replace all the windows. Contractors accept larger jobs over smaller ones because they bring a higher return for their time. So, if you plan to install new windows throughout the home anyway, do it now to make your job attractive enough that the contractor returns your calls and your per-window price is less. 

Other considerations

• Hidden damage – The chance of finding hidden water damage inside a wall once you remove an old window is real. The cost to repair this kind of damage will add to the overall cost of the project. 
• Building permits – Typically, replacing a window doesn’t require a permit. But you’ll need one if you’re changing the window size or adding a window where there wasn’t one. The permit fees will add to the project cost. However, when you hire a professional to do the job, they’ll include the permit in their pricing. 
• Warranties – Ask about any warranties on the window and labor and save any paperwork for the future if needed.
• Geographic location –  Home improvement costs vary by region of the country. For example, you'll pay more for both labor and materials in urban areas like New York City or Washington, D.C., than in small cities and rural countryside. Always consult with a local professional before saving for your window replacement.

Install sliding windows in your home

According to Remodeling’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, window replacement brings a 61-69 percent return on investment, depending on the number of windows, frame material, and type. Yes, a sliding window costs a bit more than other standard styles, but you’ll reap the benefits of added air circulation and sunlight.