The Ultimate Timber Windows Cost Guide for 2023
Timber or wood is the most common material used for window frames. They offer a beautiful aesthetic for homes that have a more traditional style to them and are popular for homeowners who prefer custom-coloured window frames. If you’re planning on installing windows with wooden or timber frames, you’ll need a good idea of what to expect when it comes to conducting a costing exercise. In this guide to timber window costs, we’ll lay out what you can expect to spend when you choose to install wooden windows.
Average Cost of Timber Windows
Timber is typically the most expensive material for windows to be made from when considering long-term costs. These types of frames also require the most amount of maintenance as they are more susceptible to damage caused by environmental factors such as wet weather. They, therefore, need to be taken care of properly to be worth the initial investment.
That being said they do add an element of elegance to the property’s profile, which is what makes them so popular in homes that have more traditional designs and some modern buildings too. The costs associated with wooden frames are also dependent on the type of window you choose to install in your home. To give you some idea of the cost of timber windows, we’ve given you a cost breakdown of the most common window types with wooden frames below.
| Type of window | Frame Size (mm) | Approximate Cost |
| Casement Windows | 600 x 900 | £850 – £1000 |
| 1200 x 1200 | £900 – £1500 | |
| Sash Windows | 600 x 900 | £1400 – £1580 |
| 1200x 1200 | £1500 – £1800 |
Casement windows are the standard design of windows on which most material costs are based. They are also the most affordable window style which makes them a popular option for new home renovations.
Sash windows operate on a more complex mechanism and often require more material to manufacture. For this reason, sash windows with wooden frames are usually more expensive than standard casement window designs.
If you are thinking of installing windows with wooden or timber frames, it’s always best to get a contractor to quote you directly. The above figures are an estimate based on the current timber frame market, but a contractor will be able to provide you with a more accurate cost breakdown.
The Benefits of Timber Windows
Timber windows offer many benefits to homeowners and are especially popular because of the aesthetic appeal they bring to a property. They are also the easiest type of material to customise which makes them appealing to those who want to bring their own, unique style to the overall design of the building.
Wooden frames are also great for those who want to take the ecological route in their architectural projects. Wooden frames can be made from recycled material, making them a sustainable option for window installations. They are also the perfect addition to eco-minded designs that incorporate a lot of timber into their exterior cladding and indoor decor. Having wooden frames will keep a consistent aesthetic throughout the home.
Frames made from timber or wood also provide better insulation for the house. This makes wood the ideal material for homes in the UK given the intense cold felt in the winter months. This ensures the inside of the home stays warm against colder temperatures outside.
Timber Window Installation Costs
The cost of installing windows with wooden or timber frames depends on several factors and can vary from project to project. The costs in the table above provide you with a rough idea about the costs, but one should always consult a professional contractor to ensure they are quoted accurately. When a contractor quotes you, they will look at the following when giving you pricing for installation.
The size of the instalment. Installation costs depend on the size of the window frames, given that windows with larger parameters are usually heavier and therefore require more labour to get the job done. For this reason, the bigger the window the more it will cost the homeowner to have them installed.
Where in the house they need to install the wooden framed windows. If the installation needs to happen above the ground floor, contractors will usually charge you more for more intense labour owing to the team’s need to move up and down stairs.
The location of the installation project. Window installation projects situated in more remote locations may incur higher costs as it will require more fuel and time for the contractors to get to. They will usually add this to the initial quote.
The number of windows they need to install. Naturally, the more windows there are to install in a home the greater the cost will be. This is important to keep in mind during your home’s design phase.
Timber Window Customising Costs
One of the best things about timber windows is that the frame material is the easiest to customise. The costs associated with customising your timber windows usually depend on the extent of the customisation. To give you more of an idea, the following will look at some things to think about when customising your wooden windows.
Soft Wood or Hardwood
Some people have different preferences for the type of wood they use. Softwoods such as pine, redwood and cedar wood are examples of softwoods. These are usually much cheaper than hardwoods such as oak, teak, and mahogany. Each wood has a slightly different look and varies in shades. The material entirely depends on the preferences of the designer or homeowner.
Paint Design
One of the great things about having wooden frames is that it’s very easy to change their colours. A simple lick of paint will do the trick. The only cost associated with changing the colour of the wooden frame is the cost of the paint you choose to go with. Always make sure that the paint you choose is appropriate for outdoor weather and that it is of good quality to prevent flaking.
Frame Shape
Those who are more artistically inclined may want to change the shape of the frame from traditional rectangular or square shapes to something like hexagonal or triangular. Although the type of window you choose may limit the extent to which you can customise the frame it is possible. Less traditional frame shapes will usually cost more to manufacture and therefore will be more expensive.
FAQs
Do timber windows add value?
Given all the benefits and aesthetic appeal of timber windows, they do add value to the property. Some real estate professionals estimate they can add around 10% to the value of a house.
Why are timber windows so expensive?
Although the upfront cost of timber windows may seem in line with other materials, they do require more maintenance. They, therefore, end up costing property owners a lot more in the longer term than other types of frame material.
Should I restore or replace my timber windows?
Restoration vs replacement depends on the level of timber window damage. If there is a more permanent problem such as insect infestation or wood rot, replacement is necessary. However, if the damage is to the pane of glass or if there is minor trauma to the actual frame, restoration is the better option.