Arched windows cost more than standard rectangular windows, with most homeowners spending $600 to $2,300 per window, including installation. Higher-end custom designs with specialty glass or oversized dimensions can push costs past $3,500, but that’s less common.
Their curved design makes installation more complicated and expensive, with labor adding $200 to $800 per window. If your home wasn’t built for arched windows, modifying the opening can add thousands to the total cost.
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To help you understand what drives arched window costs, we’ve consulted residential window experts, analyzed data from leading window companies, and reviewed retail pricing on home improvement websites such as Home Depot. Let’s explore the key factors that will influence your investment.
What Impacts Arched Window Costs?
Several key factors determine your final arched window replacement cost. The main factors include your choice of materials, window sizes, and glazing options, said Joe Hudock, brand president of Florida-based Wallaby Windows. Custom sizes and designs will also increase your overall investment.
Frame Materials
Your choice of frame material has the most significant impact on cost. The table below outlines what you can expect to pay for different frame materials:
Window Material | Cost per Window |
---|---|
Vinyl | $300–$800 |
Aluminum | $500–$1,200 |
Fiberglass | $700–$2,000 |
Wood | $700–$2,000 |
Cost figures are from Wallaby Windows and exclude installation costs.
Note that your final price will vary based on local contractor rates, your specific material choice, and your home’s design requirements.
“Wood frames cost more because they’re harder to fit with rounded glass,” said Andrew Prchal, president of Gunner Roofing in Greenwich, Connecticut. “If you’re looking to manage costs, composite or vinyl frames typically offer more economical alternatives to metal or wooden options.”
Window Size
Size plays a role in determining the cost of an arched window. Smaller windows generally cost less than larger versions. While Home Depot sells standard vinyl arched windows for $988 to $1,063 per window (excluding installation), its selection is limited to 42-by-50-inch windows with glass blocks.
Most arched windows require custom sizing due to their unique design. “The specific dimensions of the window will depend on the architectural design of the home, which can vary widely. Each project requires a tailored approach to accurately determine size and pricing,” Hudock said.
Window Style
Arched windows come in two main configurations: fixed and operable. Fixed windows maintain a stationary position, while operable versions can open and close. Because operable windows require additional materials and components, they usually cost more than fixed options.
Before selecting your window style, consider consulting a professional installer. An experienced installer can ensure that the style complements your home’s design, Robert Schindler, vice president of Window World, told us.
Arched windows look especially beautiful on Spanish colonial homes or buildings with neoclassical elements.
Fixed designs, such as picture windows, represent the most economical choice, while more complex operating styles like bay and bow windows command premium prices. Here’s how different styles compare in price:
Window Style | Cost per Window |
---|---|
Fixed | $250–$750 |
Double-hung | $300–$850 |
Single-hung | $300–$850 |
Casement | $300–$1,000 |
Bay | $1,000–$4,500 |
Bow | $1,000–$4,500 |
Cost figures are from Wallaby Windows and exclude installation costs.
Number of Glass Panes
Most manufacturers offer arched windows in double-pane and triple-pane configurations, with single-pane options being less common. The choice between single-pane, double-pane, or triple-pane windows depends on your climate, budget, and specific insulation needs.
Triple-pane windows often provide the best performance for homes in extreme climates. “They work anywhere that heating or cooling costs are an issue,” said Kevin O’Donnell, the owner and CEO of O’Donnell Roofing. For mild and moderate climates, double-pane windows usually offer sufficient insulation.
The number of panes significantly affects your window cost. “Glass is one of the most expensive components of a window, so the higher the number of panes, the more the cost will go up,” Hudock said. “However, the sound dampening factor also increases, which can suit homeowners who live in noisy areas.”
Cost figures are from Wallaby and exclude installation costs.
Glass Upgrades
When selecting your arched windows, you can choose from standard features and optional upgrades. According to Hudock, standard features include low emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings and argon gas filling in double- or triple-pane windows. Specialty glass types, such as laminated or tempered glass, incur additional costs beyond the base window price.
Here’s what various glass upgrades typically cost:
Glass Upgrade | General Cost |
---|---|
Low-E glass | Included as standard |
Insulated glass | Included as standard |
Tinted glass | $50–$150 |
Tempered glass | $80–$200 |
Laminated glass | $150–$400 |
Cost figures are from Wallaby and exclude installation costs.
Installation Costs
Professional installation for arched windows typically runs between $200 and $1,000 per window. “Highly skilled professionals with specialized training may command higher fees for their services,” Hudock said. These rates vary based on your location and the installer’s experience.
Installation costs also increase due to specialized framing requirements. According to Prchal, arched windows need more extensive framing than standard windows to ensure proper fit in your desired location.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Arched Windows
Arched windows can dramatically enhance your home’s character, though they’re not the right choice for every situation. Consider these advantages and limitations before deciding if they’re right for your home:
Pros
- Available in multiple window styles and materials
- Can increase your home's curb appeal
- Cost less than bay or bow windows
Cons
- Cost more than standard window styles
- Require additional labor to install correctly
- Have longer manufacturing times due to the half-circle design
Ways To Save on Arched Windows
While arched windows represent a significant investment, several strategies can help manage costs effectively.
Choose Simple Designs
Despite their custom nature, many manufacturers offer arched windows in standard styles and materials. “An arched window in a vinyl or composite material may be more cost-effective than wood or metal [windows],” Prchal said. To reduce costs, he recommends looking for companies that offer standard rather than custom sizes.
Look for Discounts
Take advantage of seasonal promotions and available rebates. Many window companies offer periodic discounts, and you might qualify for federal or state incentives, such as the Energy Star windows tax credit, when choosing energy-efficient options. Champion Windows, for example, frequently provides promotional pricing on their window lines.
Tackle Your Project In Full
While you might consider completing your project in phases to spread out costs, Mark Waddell of Cornerstone Building Brands cautions against this approach. “In the end, this could result in paying more than if the whole project were completed at once,” he said.
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare offerings from at least three window installation companies before making your decision. This will help you evaluate different styles, materials, and pricing options. According to Schindler, comparing multiple companies ensures you’re getting the best value for your investment.
When to Replace Your Arched Windows
Watch for several key maintenance indicators to determine if your arched windows need replacement. “If you notice the caulk around the window has grown brittle and begins to chip, it can allow insects and water to penetrate the barrier to your home,” Prchal advises.
During routine maintenance checks, inspect your window glass carefully. Haziness between panes often indicates failed seals that require replacement.
Professional Vs. DIY Installation
While DIY installation might seem like a way to reduce costs, arched windows demand specialized skills and expertise. During our observation of a Renewal by Andersen installation in June 2024, we witnessed firsthand the complexity of these installations.
“Unlike standard windows, arched windows often require precise measurements, custom framing, and careful handling to ensure a perfect fit and proper insulation,” Hudock said.
We also noticed that installation requires a coordinated team effort. All three crew members worked together throughout the process, taking multiple measurements and using specialized tools for proper installation.
Unless you have significant experience with power tools, precise measuring, and custom framing, professional installation likely provides the best value. Professional installers also offer labor warranties for added peace of mind.
Cost Comparison With Other Window Styles
To help you evaluate your options, here’s how arched windows compare to other popular window styles. We’ve compiled these figures through industry expert consultations and analysis of both Sierra West Publishing’s “Current Residential Construction Cost Manual 2024” and RSMeans construction database.
The following prices include installation and potential upgrades, such as energy-efficient Low-E glass or window tinting:
Window Type | Cost per Window (Includes Installation) |
---|---|
Casement windows | $300–$3,000 |
Hurricane windows | $300–$7,800 |
Bow windows | $1,000–$4,500 |
Glass block windows | $1,700–$3,100 |
Egress windows | $2,000–$8,500 |
Bay windows | $3,629–$5,245 |
For comparison, here are window costs without installation. Base prices reflect standard aluminum construction, while higher ranges indicate premium wood frames with upgraded glass:
Window Type | Cost per Window (Excludes Installation) |
---|---|
Skylight windows | $383–$2,390 |
Garden windows | $1,316–$2,041 |
Final Thoughts on Arched Window Replacement Costs
Arched windows offer a distinctive architectural element that few other window styles can match. Their elegant design enhances both modern homes and historic residences, while multiple frame materials and style options let you create the look you want.
Keep in mind that arched windows’ unique semi-circular design makes them more expensive than standard single-hung or picture windows. Installation costs also run higher due to specialized framing requirements. If you’re working with a tight budget, you might want to explore more economical window replacement options. Don’t forget to consult at least three window companies and evaluate installer expertise to choose the best professional for you, and review glass and frame options, warranties, add-ons, and prices before making a final choice.