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How much does it cost to install or replace wood windows?
Wood windows are usually exterior facing and so must provide the desired level of security, appearance, and weather sealing properties including the window glass.
Average wood window replacement costs vary by 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.
Wood window replacement: to remove and dispose of a window and replace it with a wood window. Include costs for insulating glass, equipment, miscellaneous material, waste, hardware, all trim and sealing, and final touch-up.
Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture window 1: 48" wide x 48" tall, not opening; pre-finished natural interior, no-paint exterior clad. | $590 | each | 1 | $590 |
| Sliding window 2: additional cost for a 48" wide x 48" tall sliding set. | $200 | each | 1 | $200 |
| Sash window 3: additional cost for a 48" wide x 48" tall sash set. | $150 | each | 1 | $150 |
| Remove and dispose: existing window; include transport and non-hazardous dump fees. | $40 | per CY | 1 | $40 |
| Material Cost | $980 | each | 1 | $980 |
| + Labor Cost (remove) | $30 | per hour | 2 | $60 |
| + Labor Cost (replace) | $38 | per hour | 5 | $190 |
| Total Cost | $1230 | each | 1 | $1230 |
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Casement window 4: additional cost for a 48" wide x 48" tall casement set - $240.
- Bay window 5: additional cost for a 97" wide x 54" tall bay set; including bay roof section, wood framed, insulated, and asphalt 6 shingles 7 - $950 plus 3 hours of labor cost $110, for a total fo $1060.
Additional considerations and costs
- Each related Cost Guide reviews typical upgrades and accessories.
- 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.
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 Sliding window: An opening in the wall, consisting of a frame fitted with a glass pane, that opens by sliding horizontally
3 Sash window: A wall opening made of one or several movable panels (referred to as sashes) that serve as a frame for holding glass panes
4 Casement window: A window that is attached to the frame by hinges on the side of the window, allowing them to open like a door.
5 Bay window: A set of 3 or more windows that projects beyond the outside wall of a building. These are great for allowing light into a room
6 Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads
7 Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.
How much does it cost to install or replace wood windows in my city?
Cost to install or replace wood windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average+2%
-9%
+24%
+10%
-6%
+19%
0%
+38%
+16%
-6%
+6%
+8%
+40%
-14%
+5%
+10%
-7%
+1%
+16%
-11%
+6%
-6%
+31%
+24%
+6%
-1%
-35%
+7%
+26%
+11%
+20%
+1%
+9%
-3%
+12%
+25%
+21%
+77%
+36%
+15%
-6%
+40%
0%
+9%
+11%
+16%
+20%
+1%
-4%
+53%
Labor cost in your zip code
