Picture Window Installation Cost

National average

$880

(wood picture window)

Low: $450

(vinyl picture window - DIY)

High: $1,220

(wood picture window - upgrades)

Cost to install or replace picture windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from window installers in your city.

How much does it cost to install or replace picture windows?

Picture windows are made of various materials and are usually exterior facing and so must provide the desired level of security, appearance, and weather sealing properties including the window glass.

Average picture window¹ costs vary by material, size, labor rate, and decorative quality of the window frame finish.

Cost breakdown

The Labor Cost figures in the following table are what the DIY person could save by performing the work.

Picture window¹ replacement: to remove and dispose of a window and replace it with a picture window¹. Include costs for insulating glass, equipment, miscellaneous material, waste, hardware, all trim and sealing, and final touch-up.

Item	Unit Cost		Quantity	Line Cost
Vinyl² window: 48" wide x 48" tall, no-paint surfaces.	$450	each	1	$450
Upgrade: additional cost for a wood window; top grade 48" wide x 48" tall, pre-finished natural interior, no-paint exterior clad.	$140	each	1	$140
Remove and dispose: existing window; include transport and non-hazardous dump fees.	$40	per CY	1	$40
Material Cost	$630	each	1	$630
+ Labor Cost (remove)	$30	per hour	2	$60
+ Labor Cost (replace)	$38	per hour	5	$190
Total Cost	$880	each	1	$880

Enhancement and improvement costs

Upgrade: additional cost for a medium-duty fixed panel exterior awning; aluminum frame and white painted panel; rain gutter front edge - $230 plus 3 hours of labor cost $110, for a total cost of $340.

Additional considerations and costs

Picture windows¹ do not open and so have the benefit of no air-leaking; however cleaning must be done from the outside.
The prices here are for provider service in their immediate area.
Not included are taxes or permit fees.
If neccesary, the opening of a wood-framed exterior wall will cost around $55 to $75 per square foot.
The homeowner should be informed during provider inspection of any repair or structural modification issues.
The replacement of 3 or more windows should result in a reduction of these unit prices.
In some localities a subsidy for efficiency upgrade may be available.

Do it yourself (DIY)?

Window replacement may not be suitable for DIY as it requires high carpentry skills, and typically comes with a critical closure deadline.

References

Craftsman Estimator Costbook, 2015.
Vendor Web sites of the Home Improvement sector.
Popular DIY Web sites.

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Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.

¹ Picture window: An opening in the wall consisting of one large pane of glass that does not open

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

How much does it cost to install or replace picture windows in my city?

Cost to install or replace picture windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.