Garden windows add beauty, light, and space to any home, allowing nature to become a part of your living space. However, they are also one of the more expensive window types. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that impact the cost of garden windows, including prices by size, frame material, and glass type.
Average Garden Window Cost
In 2024, the average cost to install a new garden window is $3,875. Your project cost will likely fall between $1,250 and $6,500, including professional installation, depending on the quality, brand, and frame material.
The higher end of that cost range includes new installation (meaning cutting a hole for a new window or expanding an existing space) or any other cases that constitute a difficult installation, like water damage or other construction issues that need to be resolved before a replacement window can be put into place.
Your final project cost can vary significantly for garden window installation and will depend on a few factors:
- The size of the window.
- Window brand.
- Framing material.
- Type of glass.
- Customizations.
- Any required demolition or construction work.
To get a closer estimate for your window project suited to your home and needs, you can use our free cost calculator tool below.
Factors Affecting Garden Window Cost
Now that you have a sense of average costs, let’s get down to specifics of what your own project may be priced at.
First, let’s look at which factors influence costs the most and which influence it the least. Knowing where you can afford to make changes and where you can plan to save money should give you a better sense of how to go about choosing things like frame material, glass upgrades, or even your window’s size.
| Factor | Description | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger windows require more materials and labor, increasing the cost. | High |
| Material | Common materials include vinyl, aluminum, and wood, each varying in price and durability. | Moderate to High |
| Glass Type | Options like double-glazing or energy-efficient coatings can affect pricing. | Moderate |
| Features | Additional features such as built-in shelves, opening mechanisms, or decorative elements. | Moderate to High |
| Brand | Premium brands may offer enhanced aesthetics or durability but at a higher price. | Variable |
| Installation | Complexity of installation can vary; professional installation is recommended. | High |
Let’s dive into these details in the next few sections.
Garden Window Sizes and Costs
The size of your garden window plays a significant role in its cost. If you’re replacing an existing garden window, then you will likely find it is most cost-effective to keep the size the same. However, if you are installing a new one, then you’ll find a smaller size will have a dramatic impact on saving.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Window Size (Width x Height) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (24" x 36") | $500 - $700 |
| Medium (36" x 36") | $800 - $1,000 |
| Large (48" x 36") | $1,000 - $1,200 |
| Custom Size | Varies; starts at about $800 |
What’s the Most Popular Size for Garden Windows?
The most popular or common size for garden windows typically falls within the medium range, with dimensions around 36 inches wide by 36 inches high.
This size offers ample space for plants and decorative items, allows for lots of natural light, and can usually fit in the space above kitchen sinks, which is where garden windows are most frequently installed.
What Else to Know About Sizes
Garden windows are on the smaller side for home windows, especially compared to standard double-hung windows or bay windows.
However, just like conventional windows, garden windows are available in several standard sizes, from 24” x 24” on the smaller side and up to 72” x 60”. Most manufacturers can also create custom sizes to fit your desired window opening.
To learn more, you can visit our guide on standard window sizes.
Garden Window Prices by Frame Material
The choice of material for the frame significantly impacts both the cost as well as your window’s longevity and maintenance needs.
Here’s a look at the average cost range of the five most popular window frame materials:
| Material | Average Cost Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $500 - $1,000 | Durable, low maintenance, good insulation, cost-effective. |
| Wood | $800 - $1,500 | Aesthetically pleasing, natural insulator, requires more maintenance. |
| Aluminum | $600 - $1,200 | Lightweight, strong, less energy efficient, prone to condensation. |
| Composite | $1,000 - $1,800 | Blend of wood fibers and plastic, low maintenance, resembles wood. |
| Fiberglass | $1,200 - $2,500 | Very durable, excellent insulation, low maintenance, can be painted. |
How to Decide Which Frame Type is Best
Each frame type has benefits and drawbacks. You’ll have to decide which material is the best one for your budget and your home.
- Vinyl: Vinyl frames are one of the most popular choices due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, and affordability. They offer good thermal insulation and come in various colors, though the selection is not as broad as painted wood or fiberglass.
- Wood: Wood frames provide a classic, natural look that many homeowners love. They offer excellent natural insulation and can be stained or painted to match any decor. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent decay, warping, or termite damage.
- Aluminum: Aluminum frames are known for their strength and slim profile, allowing for more glass area. They’re less expensive than wood and fiberglass but offer poor thermal insulation and can condense moisture.
- Composite: Composite frames are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, designed to offer the best qualities of both materials. They are durable, with minimal expansion and contraction, and require less maintenance than wood, while still providing a similar aesthetic.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass frames are among the most durable and energy-efficient options. They can withstand temperature extremes without warping, cracking, or fading. Fiberglass frames are low maintenance and can be painted, offering a high degree of customization.
You can read more about frame types, explore their costs, and even take our quiz to get our recommendation on which material is your ideal fit by visiting our guide to window frame types.
Cost Increases by Glass Options
The type of glass used in garden windows can affect both the cost and the window’s energy efficiency. Here’s a look at what you can expect to add your project’s bottom line by choosing from various glass options:
| Glass Type | Average Cost Increase | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Double Glazing | $100 - $200 | Improved insulation, reduces heat loss, better noise reduction. |
| Triple Glazing | $200 - $400 | Superior insulation, enhanced noise reduction, increased security. |
| Low-E Glass | $150 - $300 | Reflects infrared light, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reduces UV damage to fabrics. |
| Gas-Filled Glass | $200 - $350 | Gas like argon or krypton between panes increases insulation, reduces heat transfer. |
What Glass Options Should I Consider?
- Double glazing is the standard for most modern windows, offering a significant improvement over single-glazed windows in terms of insulation and noise reduction. You can read more about double paned windows over at our guide.
- Triple glazing adds an additional glass pane and air space, offering the highest levels of insulation and noise reduction, which is especially beneficial in very cold climates or for homes in noisy areas. Our guide to triple paned windows can tell you more.
- Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating that reflects thermal radiation. This means it helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer, making it an energy-efficient choice year-round. We created a guide to understanding low-E glass if you’d like to learn more.
- Gas-filled glass units use inert gases like argon or krypton between the panes instead of air, further reducing heat transfer and improving thermal performance. These gases are denser than air, providing better insulation and energy efficiency.
Remember, the best glass option for your garden window will depend on your specific needs, including climate, orientation of the window (e.g., south-facing windows might benefit more from Low-E glass), and budget. Upgrading the glass can significantly enhance the window’s energy efficiency, potentially leading to savings on heating and cooling costs over time. You can visit our guide to glass types to learn more about all the options above.
The Final Word
When you’re installing or replacing a window, you should choose the window type (like a garden window) first, then the frame, and then the glass. A contractor can help you with all those decisions. If you’re not positive this is the window type you want or aren’t sure it will fit into your budget, then you can learn more by reading our guide to garden windows or you can check out our guide to types of windows to explore your other options.
If you’re ready to get quotes for a garden window, plan to reach out to three or four contractors to find someone with the right experience at the right price. You can use our contractor directory to browse through the pros available near you and connect with them for quotes.
You can also have Modernize do the research for you. Click below and answer a few questions about your project to be matched with up to four pre-vetted professionals.
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