Wooden Window Replacement
Wooden windows are popular options for replacement windows among homeowners because they have a traditional look and feel, are durable, and provide excellent insulation. Sections of wooden window frames are cut precisely in a miter that is shaped like the box frame. The window frame and sashes are all constructed from wood and milled and routed into the customized shapes for your home window type. They are generally nailed, screwed, and glued together. Caulk is also used to help seal the sections of wood used to construct the window frame. Read below about some of the benefits of installing new wooden windows.
Benefits of Wooden Window Frames
Traditional appearance
Replacement wooden windows have a traditional, rustic charm that looks great in either older or modern homes. There are many different types of wooden window to choose from, and they can be painted or stained different colors to work with just about any design that you have in mind.
Great insulation
Wood is an excellent insulator, making them a great home window choice. Wooden windows are highly energy efficient when paired with quality insulating double paned windows or triple paned glass windows.
Highly weather resistant
Wooden windows are not susceptible to the expansion and contraction that new vinyl windows, aluminum window types, or fiberglass replacement windows can suffer from during temperature changes. While wood expands and contracts from moisture exposure, properly painting the frame will reduce this risk.
Wood is durable and known for standing up to hard use. Hardwoods are particularly resilient and will hold up over time when well cared for. Wooden windows are also less likely to lose their seal than vinyl or aluminum.
Eco-friendly
Wood window frames are considered a “green” window installation choice since they can be reused, recycled, and sustainably sourced. Many wood windows can even be composted once the paint is removed.
Great return on investment
Even though wood windows are one of the most expensive window installation options on the market today, the price will depend on the type of wood used. For example, hardwoods tend to be more expensive, but they are also the most durable.
Choosing new wooden windows wisely can produce a great return on investment when you compare cost to long-term value. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, you can earn a 66.3% return on investment from wooden windows when it comes time to resell your home. They are the second most profitable window frame type, next to vinyl windows.
Due to the higher cost, buying wooden window frames should be considered a long-term investment for your home depending on which window brand you choose.
How Much Do Wooden Windows Cost?
As of 2024, the average cost to install new wooden windows is $875 to $1,865 per window. This includes the cost of the wooden window frame, other materials, and the cost of installation and labor, which should cost about $70 to $150 per window installed.
Wooden Windows
Average Installation Cost $875 - $1,865
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 94.4%
- Labor 5.6%
Keep in mind that the cost per window can go up or down based on the species of wood you choose for the window frame, the window brand, window style, and local labor costs. We recommend using our Windows Cost Calculator below, which can give you a closer estimate based on your home and where you live.
Types of Wooden Windows
When shopping for a wood window frame, consider the type of wood that you want. For example, pine is one of the most affordable types of wooden windows. Mahogany is one of the most expensive wooden windows, because it suffers less from expansion and contraction than other wooden window types.
Other types of wood windows include usually made up from accoya, idigbo, iroko wood, sapele, softwood, and softwood (European redwood.)
Clad Wood Windows
As mentioned above, wooden windows are extremely reliable and aesthetically pleasing. However, they can rot or suffer the effects of weathering over time. This issue can be solved by aluminum or fiberglass wood clad windows. An aluminum or fiberglass exterior is used on the windows to help protect the wood from harsh weather conditions. This helps keep the windows in good condition for longer while preserving the charm of wooden windows on the inside of the home.
Primed Wooden Windows
If you plan to paint your windows, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by choosing wooden windows that come pre-primed. They generally aren’t any more expensive than bare wood windows and will save you time during the installation process.
New Construction Wood Windows
When buying wooden replacement windows, you will have to decide between windows designed for new construction versus replacement windows. Most of the time, the replacement windows will save you time and money, unless you are having windows put into a brand-new house that doesn’t have windows yet.
Replacement windows lack the nailing flange, so they are designed to fit into an existing window frame. These windows are smaller and more affordable, and they can be installed in less time. New construction windows are only desirable when windows are being put in for the first time or when the old frame rotted out or needs to be replaced entirely.
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