Exchanging old windows for new wood replacements is a smart way to improve your home’s curb appeal and value. Wood is a classic window frame option with timeless beauty and top-notch insulation that’s ideal for many homeowners. However, these windows come at a premium price, as wood is one of the most expensive window materials. Read on to find out how much you can expect to spend on wood replacement windows.
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing options
Excellent customizability
7 glass options
4.0
Low pricing
Lifetime labor and material warranty
Custom financing
How Much Do Wood Replacement Windows Cost?
Wood replacement windows cost from $800 to $1,300 for units and installation. Although many wood-frame windows fall within that price range, you may find products that cost significantly more or less than this average.
Small wood windows or those with vinyl cladding may start around $500. Meanwhile, wooden bay windows or large installations can reach into the thousands.
| Low-end Cost Range | $500–$700 |
| National Average Cost Range | $800–$1,300 |
| High-end Cost Range | $1,300–$2,000 |
| Extreme High-end Cost Range | $2,000+ |
I retrieve cost data from RSMeans, a project estimation database for contractors. The figures in this article cover rough material and installation costs.
Trying to decide if this window material is right for you? This video from Kentucky Home Exteriors discusses the benefits and drawbacks of wood frames:
What Factors Affect the Cost of Wood Replacement Windows?
Now, I’ll dive into the reasons behind the expansive price range associated with wood windows. The following factors dictate not only how your wood windows look but also how they’ll impact your wallet:
- Type of window
- Window size
- Type of wood
- Glazing
- Brand
Read Also: Overview of Marvin and Harvey Windows
Cost of Wood Windows by Type
If you’ve shopped for windows, you know that there are countless options on the market, each with its own appearance, pros, and cons. Wood windows are no exception; they come in various styles to meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
Below are price estimates for some of the most common window styles for residential settings. I’ve included brief descriptions to help you decide what type of windows might be best for your home.
| Type of Wood Window | Typical Cost Range | Description/Features |
| Single-hung window | $500–$800 | Has a fixed upper sash and an operable lower sash that slides up to allow ventilation |
| Awning window | $500–$1,100 | Features a top-hinged sash that opens up and out to form a small, awning-like structure |
| Picture Window/Fixed | $500–$1,400 | Has a large, inoperable sash area to frame outdoor views |
| Casement window | $600–$1,700 | Has a side-hinged sash that opens outward like a door |
| Skylight window | $600–$2,500 | Placed on the roof of the home to provide natural lighting in private spaces |
| Double-hung window | $675–$1,000 | Features operable upper and lower sashes that tilt or slide to open |
| Sliding window | $700–$1,600 | Sometimes has both fixed and operable sashes, one of which slides horizontally and overlaps the other to open |
| Garden window | $1,800+ | Has a small, box-like structure that protrudes past the home’s exterior wall to form a miniature glass greenhouse |
| Bay/bow window | $2,500–$3,500 | Features three or more outward-bowing window panels that create an interior nook space |
Cost of Wood Windows by Size
Window type isn’t the only factor when determining your wood window cost. You must also consider the window size you need to understand where your price might fall. Wood window cost ranges are variable because you’ll pay less for small, simple windows. Meanwhile, large windows can drive your bill into the thousands.
The table below demonstrates how size affects costs for wood casement windows. Note that some standard window sizes may be cheaper than custom sizes, even if the dimensions are larger:
| Wood Window Size | Cost Estimate |
| 2’ X 2’ | $615 |
| 2’ X 3’ | $700 |
| 2’ X 4’ | $750 |
| 2’ X 5’ | $830 |
| 2’ X 6’ | $900 |
| 3’ X 5’ | $965 |
| 3’ X 6’ | $880 |
| 4’ X 3’ | $1,190 |
| 4’ X 4’ | $1,270 |
| 4’ X 5’ | $1,400 |
| 4’ X 6’ | $1,535 |
| 5’ X 3’ | $1,185 |
| 5’ X 5’ | $1,340 |
| 6’ X 5’ | $1,800 |
| 7’ X 4’ | $1,760 |
| 7’ X 5’ | $2,120 |
| 8’ X 6’ | $2,450 |
| 10’ X 6’ | $3,025 |
Cost of Wood Windows by Type of Wood
Don’t forget to consider different kinds of wood while shopping for replacement windows. Most wood window manufacturers use pine, which is lightweight, insulative, and affordable. Companies specializing in custom wood products may offer premium wood options like Douglas fir, oak, and mahogany.
Here are some potential costs for different types of wood window frames. Note that prices frequently fluctuate due to raw material sourcing and availability.
| Wood Variety | Average Cost |
| Pine | $700–$1,500 |
| Douglas Fir | $800–$1,750 |
| Oak | $1,000–$2,800 |
| Mahogany | $1,500–$3,000 |
- Pine is often considered the best material for wood windows. It’s the easiest to source and widely available, which means the price is typically affordable nationwide. As a softwood, pine is lightweight and more breathable than other wood options, producing frames that are easier to lift, install, and form into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
- Douglas fir is the most affordable material after pine. It has a creamy color that can be stained darker or left natural for a raw, textured finish. Firwood is easy to cut and shape, making it a popular choice for custom-size windows and doors. Despite its porous structure, the material boasts impressive durability and water resistance.
- Oak is a hardwood species with robust color variety and impressive durability. Despite its benefits, oak isn’t the best option for exterior windows. It’s susceptible to shrinkage, expansion, and moisture retention, making it a less popular choice for windows in hot or rainy climates. Some companies offer oak windows sealed and cured for outdoor use, but these come at a higher price.
- Mahogany is a premium wood material known for its deep color and even grain. Due to its complex sourcing and limited availability, mahogany is one of the priciest wood framing options for windows. However, it offers coveted benefits like pest resistance, insulation, and soundproofing.
Cost of Wood Windows by Glass Type
I’ve focused a lot on wood, but the glass portion of your new windows also determines your price. Residential windows are typically available in three glazing varieties — single, double, and triple-pane.
| Window Glazing | Average Cost |
| Single-pane | $300–$900 |
| Double-pane | $800–$1,800 |
| Triple-pane | $1,200–$3,540 |
- Single-pane windows are the cheapest option but the least energy-efficient. While you’ll save on the cost of the windows, higher energy bills may negate these up-front savings.
- Double-pane windows are the most popular choice due to their mid-range cost and overall benefits. They feature two glass panes separated by a layer of air or inert gas that provides additional insulation.
- Triple-pane windows provide the best insulation, durability, and sound reduction for wood windows. Featuring three panes of glass as opposed to just one or two, these windows also come at a higher price.
It’s crucial to understand how each window option’s price reflects its benefits (or lack thereof). You may try to save on wood windows by purchasing the cheapest single-pane option. However, it’s a better idea to invest a little more upfront to reap energy savings later on. Double-pane windows can reduce energy use by as much as 24% in cold temperatures. Count those savings each month, and the investment is worth it.
Cost of Wood Windows by Brand
Wood is a premium window frame option, and companies don’t hesitate to charge high for its elegance and functionality. Despite a steeper industry-wide price point, brands still have notable cost variations. This is why you should engage with multiple companies before landing on a wood window for your home.
Some window brands sell prefab options through home improvement retailers. Prefab windows are noticeably cheaper because the price doesn’t include installation. Some prefab wood windows are cheaper because they aren’t solid wood. Many brands offer wood-clad PVC or aluminum-clad wood windows for different functional purposes.
The table below displays the average wood replacement window costs for top brands. I’ve included some prefab products to show how much brands cost without handling and installation fees.
| Window Brand | Average Cost (Installed) | Prefab Cost (Unit Only)* |
| Ply Gem | $800–$1,800 | – |
| Window Nation | $850–$1,100 | – |
| JELD-WEN | $900–$3,200 | $368–$1,960 |
| Pella | $650–$3,500 | $358–$1,116 |
| Marvin | $1,200–$3,700 | – |
| Andersen | $1,500–$3,700 | $628–$888 |
*These figures reflect June 2023 prices for prefabricated wood-clad window units at Home Depot.
What Are Common Additional Costs of Wood Windows?
The receipt for your wood windows will show more than just the framing and glass. When budgeting for this premium frame option, you should account for window installation costs, upgrades, routine upkeep, and more.
I outlined these cost considerations below to help you avoid any surprises:
- Labor costs for wood replacement windows may fall between $40 and $60 per person per hour. More complex installations like upper-story rooms or bay windows may cost more.
- The number of windows affects your replacement costs. The more windows you replace, the higher your price will be. Although you may be tempted to space out window replacements over the years, it’s best to upgrade all of your home’s windows at once. Many brands offer discounts for multi-window replacement projects, along with condensed installation and haul-away fees.
- Window upgrades like customized wood finishes, hardware, and shaping impact the cost. Throughout this article, I’ve discussed base pricing for standard wood windows. Tailor-made wood products may start around $1,300 and go up from there.
- Glass customizations impact your wood window replacement costs, so you should get specific pricing for argon gas fills, low-E glass, and UV-resistant tinting. These options may be expensive — between $5 and $15 per square foot — but can result in better energy performance down the road.
- Routine maintenance is another potential cost factor to consider with wood windows. Wood is one of the most high-maintenance window frame materials, so you may spend extra on priming, painting, and sealing over the product’s life span.
Thoroughly read your wooden replacement window’s warranty before investing in maintenance or repairs. The manufacturer or installer may cover issues that arise from faulty products or workmanship.
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How Do Wood Window Prices Compare To Other Window Frame Materials?
Wood windows are undoubtedly one of the most expensive options on the market. Regardless of the provider, you’ll almost certainly pay more for a wood window than vinyl or aluminum. Depending on the product, you may find comparable pricing for wood, fiberglass, and composite windows.
Check out this graphic for window pricing by material:
Is DIY Worth the Cost Savings of Replacing Your Own Wood Windows?
You should probably leave your window replacement project to the pros. Without the proper skills and tools, you may install a faulty window prone to leaks, drafts, and pests. This is especially true for wood windows, which are vulnerable to damage if improperly sealed.
Get the most out of your wooden replacement windows by having a professional crew handle the job. A certified wood window installer knows the ins and outs of the material and how to make it perform well for decades. Professional window replacements often include warranties that cover the cost of window repairs in case of installer errors.
Are Wood Replacement Windows Worth It for Your Home?
Wood replacement windows are pricey, typically within the $800 to $1,300 price range. Despite this premium cost, wood windows can potentially serve your home with beauty, insulation, and functionality.
The key to making a smart wood window investment is buying high-quality products installed by trustworthy installers. You’ll get long-lasting windows and the peace of mind that comes with professional installation.
Ready to start exploring wood window products? Use the buttons below for free estimates from top window companies:
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing options
Excellent customizability
7 glass options
4.0
Low pricing
Lifetime labor and material warranty
Custom financing
FAQs: Cost of Wood Replacement Windows
How often do you need to replace wooden windows?
Wood windows typically last between 20 to 45 years with proper care. If your existing windows are nearing the end of their life span, it may be time for a replacement.
Regardless of a window’s age, you should also look for signs of deterioration that signal a replacement need. Here are some signs you need to upgrade your wood windows:
- The frame is chipping away and revealing raw wood.
- Windows no longer lock or latch properly, signaling potential rot.
- Windows won’t open easily or stay open as a result of warping.
- You notice discarded termite wings, droppings, or tiny gnaw marks.
- Energy bills have increased.
- Water damage or moisture is present around the window’s interior.
What are the benefits of installing wooden window frames?
Wood windows insulate 400 times better than steel and 1,800 times better than vinyl. This is a major energy-saving benefit for homeowners in cold areas. With proper installation and sealing, wood windows expand and contract less than some metal frames, making them a better choice for homes in extreme weather climates.
Along with these functional benefits come several aesthetic ones. Wood is popular for its natural beauty and elegance, growing in popularity in the early 1900s. Now, the selection of wood replacement windows is endless, with color variations and designs to fit nearly any home design.
What are the drawbacks of wood windows?
The main disadvantage of wood window framing is its susceptibility to water, heat, and pest damage. Wood windows can go from elegant to warped and rotted in unfavorable conditions. The best way to keep your wood windows in good shape is to perform routine painting and sealing. Clean the frames regularly to prevent mold buildup and apply a primer for a protective layer.
Are wood windows energy-efficient?
Wood windows are an excellent choice for energy efficiency. Wood doesn’t transfer temperatures, so the outside cold or heat won’t sneak into your home. With high-quality wood windows cushioning your home from outdoor temperatures, you may experience lower energy bills and improved indoor comfort.
Although wood is a top-notch insulator on its own, you can maximize its energy efficiency by shopping for the right products. The key to finding the most energy-efficient windows is to buy ENERGY STAR and NFRC-certified products, which have been rigorously tested and rated for the best performance.
