Blog>Cost Guides>Cost of timber windows
Last updated: 31 March 2022
Cost of timber windows
Timber is the most traditional material for window frames and it can really add value and charm to your home. Particularly good if you live in a period home, timber windows are both elegant and classic. Timber is suitable for all types of window frames, including casement, sash and tilt and turn. But what's the cost of timber windows?
Timber is the most traditional material for window frames and it can really add value and charm to your home. Particularly good if you live in a period home, timber windows are both elegant and classic. Timber is suitable for all types of window frames, including casement, sash and tilt and turn. But what's the cost of timber windows?
Timber windows cost
| Window type and size | Unit | Price - low | Price - high | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber casement window 600 x 900 mm | Window and installation | £850 | £1,000 | £925 |
| Timber casement window 1,200 x 1,200 mm | Window and installation | £900 | £1,500 | £1,200 |
| Timber sash window 600 x 900 mm | Window and installation | £1,400 | £1,580 | £1,490 |
| Timber sash window 1,200 x 1,200 mm | Window and installation | £1,500 | £1,800 | £1,650 |
| Last updated: August 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The overall timber windows cost will depend on the style, timber, frame size and the number of windows you'll need. As well as this, you need to factor in the installation cost. It might be something you attempt to DIY, but fitting windows is a specialist technical job and it's important it is done correctly.
For a 600 x 900 mm timber casement window and the installation, you're looking at an average price of around £925. For a 1,200 x 1,200 mm timber casement window, the average cost for the window and installation is around £1,200. Timber window costs will vary depending on factors such as where you live (cities such as London will be more expensive), the quantity you buy and also the type of wood you choose.
It's worth speaking to a professional to decide whether softwood or hardwood frames will be better for you. Softwood timber includes fast-growing pine, yew and cedar. They have good resistance to insect infestation and when properly maintained, they can have a longevity of up to 50 years.
Hardwood timber includes oak, beech and maple. The grain of hardwood is densely packed due to its slow growth rate. It's more durable than softwood and can last at least 60 years, but it is more expensive. If you are more concerned about keeping the cost of your wooden windows down, then it may be worth opting for softwood, however if quality and durability is more important to you, then hardwood is the best choice.
Timber sash windows cost
Timber sash windows are a predominant feature of Georgian and Victorian properties, but they can also provide modern homes with an elegant appearance. A sash window opens and closes with a sliding mechanism and can open in different ways, but the most common design is a vertical opening. A horizontal sliding sash window is often called a Yorkshire sash.
Timber sash windows are elegant and space-saving and they can really improve the air-flow of your room, particularly with a double sash.
Wooden sash windows cost a little bit more than a standard casement window, but you are paying for the craftsmanship. For the window and installation of a 600 x 900 mm timber sash window, the cost is on average £1,490 per window. The cost of timber sash windows that measure 1,200 x 1,200 mm works out at around £1,640 for the window and installation.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Timber windows cost calculator
The best way to calculate the cost of timber windows for your property is to get quotes from the experts. That said, you can get a rough idea of prices by considering some of the factors involved.
Your wooden windows cost will be influenced by the type of window you want, for example wooden sash windows will cost more than straightforward wooden frames. Then you have to multiply that cost by the number of windows you need, and adjust it for the different sizes you require, with some smaller more intricate windows potentially costing more than larger, simpler ones.
As an example of a timber windows cost calculation, installing three timber sash windows measuring 600 x 900mm will cost you on average £4,470.
Pros and cons of timber windows
Pros
Ecological: Made from natural, sustainable, recyclable materials.
Durable: Wood Windows Alliance certified timber has a lifespan of at least 60 years.
Energy-efficient: Good thermal resistance.
Designs: Versatile range.
Weather-proof: Resistant when properly maintained.
Cons
Expensive: Particularly hardwood.
Regular maintenance: Require frequent repainting.
Vulnerable: Occasionally prone to insect attack.
Timber window installation quotes
It's always advisable to get as many quotes as you reasonably can before choosing a company to install your timber windows, this way you can ensure you're getting the best value for money on the cost of wooden windows for your home.
Before seeking quotes, it's best to have drawings, measurements and the specifics of what you want ready to show the tradesperson if necessary. The good news is, you don't have to spend lots of time researching and contacting lots of different companies - simply enter your postcode in the free search tool below and locally trusted tradespeople will get in touch with you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
FAQs
Is air-dried timber better than kiln-dried?
Air-dried timber can lead to increased durability.
What is the purpose of the Wood Windows Alliance?
The Wood Windows Alliance exists to ensure high-quality standards.
How often should timber frames be repainted?
Timber frames should be repainted every five to eight years to ensure they are in the best possible condition, enabling them to last longer.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
More Cost Guides
More Windows / Doors / Conservatories Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job