Highlights
The average cost of wood windows including installation is $1,200.
The total cost of a typical double-hung window can range from $650 to $1,900.
Windows can be made from several different species of wood.
Labor costs average between $200 and $300 per window.
Wood windows can last up to 60 years.
Installing or replacing wood windows in your home can frame your view with style and warmth. Another bonus—they can fit any color scheme, since they’re paintable. Before you kick off this project, though, it’s important to get a sense of how much it will cost and where you can save money along the way. A typical double-hung, double-pane wood window can cost anywhere from $650 to $1,900, depending on the type of wood you choose and local labor costs. Additional work, such as staining or painting your wood windows, will add to your total costs.
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | $1,200 | $4,300 |
Cost of Wood Windows Near You
In most cases, large home improvement retailers charge consistently across the country for the wood windows in styles they carry, which are usually double-hung or casement-style models. Specialty retailers and installation professionals often serve as local authorized dealers of several different manufacturers, such as Andersen Windows and Trimline Windows & Doors, and may offer a greater variety of models from which you can choose.
What’s the Cost to Install or Replace Wood Windows by Style?
According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 per wood window, depending in part on the style or type you select.
Fixed
Fixed windows are just what they sound like: fixed in position, and therefore meant solely for light and views. You can’t raise or open them to let in a little fresh air and they can’t be used to escape your home in an emergency unless you completely break the glass and framing inside. Because they’re basically “just for show,” fixed windows are the least expensive type of windows you can install, ranging from $150 to $700 (in addition to an average of $200 to $300 for labor).
Single-Hung
In most new construction you’ll see single-hung windows, which consist of a fixed upper sash and a movable lower sash that slides up and down. While they’re not as tightly sealed against outside air as some other styles, they’re a fairly economical choice, costing anywhere from $200 to $900 plus installation costs per window.
Double-Hung
Double-hung wood windows are similar to single-hung models, except that both the upper and lower sashes can slide up and down. Even less airtight than single-hung windows, double-hung windows cost a bit more, with a per-window cost averaging between $300 and $1,200.
Awning
This window style is less susceptible to outside airflow than some other models, thanks to the way it’s constructed. They’re hinged at the top, and open outwards at the bottom. They’re more commonly seen in basements than in other, more “lived-in” rooms in the home, and they cost between $300 and $900 per window.
Casement
A casement window is constructed using a single glass pane and a hinge on the frame’s exterior, plus a crank handle inside that’s used to open the window by raising the entire pane and frame towards the home’s exterior. They cost between $300 and $1,000 on average.
Bay
The bay window is usually found in central living spaces, such as a den, family room, or dining area. Created to be a visual focal point and to frame a particularly appealing view, the bay window uses a three-part construction of fixed windows, usually incorporating a large middle framed window with smaller framed windows to the left and right. They’re the most expensive option and cost between $800 and $2,600.
Installation of Wood Windows Cost Breakdown
The total cost of installing or replacing wood windows in your home will depend on a number of factors, such as the materials and wood species you select for your window and whether you want any additional finishing work done, such as staining or painting.
Materials
The wood species used to construct your wood windows will affect the price of the window. In addition to aesthetic differences, different species of wood offer varying features. For example, some woods have higher degrees of hardness, while teak is more effective against moist environments, which makes it a great choice for coastal areas with high humidity.
| Wood Species | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pine | $650–$900 |
| Douglas Fir | $695–$970 |
| Oak | $700–$1,000 |
| Maple | $700–$1,100 |
| Cherry | $800–$1,100 |
| Mahogany | $800–$1,100 |
| Teak | $1,400–$1,900 |
Labor
The labor costs for installing a wood window can range from between $200 to $300 per window. That cost covers the entire installation process, beginning with positioning the wood window into its opening, leveling it with shims, then securing the window to the surrounding structure. Remember that wood windows are significantly heavier than vinyl ones (20 to 30 pounds, as opposed to eight to ten pounds for vinyl), and this can result in a longer installation process along with a higher labor cost.
Size
Most U.S. homes of relatively recent construction incorporate standard sized window openings and windows. This simplifies things when you’re shopping for a wood window of any type for your home, whether for new construction or as a replacement. However, not all windows use those standard dimensions, particularly in the case of older or historic homes.
The good news is that you can get a set of custom windows made to almost any set of dimensions you need. The not-so-great news is that custom windows generally cost two to three times as much as the equivalent type of window in a standard size. If you know you’ll need custom work done, make sure to get competitive quotes from more than one professional so that you’ll know you’re getting the best available price.
Cost to Install Wood Windows Yourself
If you choose to DIY your own wood window installation, you’ll save between $200 and $300 in labor costs per window. However, you might want to consider leaving this job to your local professional window installer for a number of reasons, especially if you’re installing a statement window, like a bay window. They’ll be able to bring the right crew to the job, so that lifting and positioning your new windows goes smoothly. They also have the requisite experience in using the specialized tools and equipment needed to get the job done right.
You’ll also need specific tools and at least another set of hands to help lift and position wood windows, which can be pretty heavy to maneuver into place. It’s best to start your replacement project in the spring if at all possible. The weather is usually more temperate and you’ll experience fewer disruptions in the home environment while the work is being completed.
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
While you can save money by DIY, you may also run into extra costs you wouldn’t have to pay if you hire a local window installer. For example, you’ll need to have tools like a level, a nail gun, a caulking gun, a power drill and more. Your local pro will have all those items already on hand.
Tips to Reduce Costs While Installing or Replacing Wood Windows
The costs of installing several wood windows in your home at once can really add up if you’re not carefully keeping track of the various expenses involved. To help manage your budget, follow these tips:
Get at least three quotes from local window installation companies with good reputations and positive independent reviews.
Explore your options with respect to materials, as some woods will cost less than others, without necessarily sacrificing durability or looks.
Stick to common window styles where possible and avoid custom sizes if you can.
Avoid unnecessary add-ons or extras when you’re negotiating the final price for your installation project.
Finally, consider having the installation done by an experienced pro, and reserve the finishing touches, such as staining and painting, for a fun DIY experience.
Wood Windows Questions and Answers
Should I buy wood or vinyl windows?
Wood windows can be a bit more complex to install and might need some additional work for a finished look, including sanding and staining. By contrast, vinyl window replacement costs less on average, can be an easier job, and requires no additional finishing work.
However, given the longer useful life, wood windows might cost less over time. Many homeowners also tend to prefer the overall look and sturdiness of wood. The decision often comes down to aesthetic preferences and the homeowner’s budget.
Can I increase the size of an existing window while installing wood windows?
It’s definitely possible in most cases to enlarge an existing window opening while you’re installing your wood windows. The average cost of enlarging a window ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per window, due to the complexity and intricacies of the project.
Do wood windows rot?
Wood window frames that are regularly exposed to moisture are susceptible to water damage and rot over time, the same as any wood structure or element of your home. If you spot leaks or water damage around your windows, don’t hesitate to repair them. Letting the damage get worse over time will lead to much more expensive repair or replacement work.
How long do wooden windows last?
When installed and maintained properly can last up to 60 years. According to HomeAdvisor, vinyl and aluminum windows should be replaced every 20 to 40 years, making wood windows a longer-lasting choice for any home.
