COST GUIDES
How much does sash window restoration cost in 2026?
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Full refurbishment: £620–£920 per window
Average refurbishment cost: around £770 per window
New timber sash window: from £1,450 installed
If your sash windows are sticking, rattling or showing signs of age, restoring them is often far more cost-effective than replacing them altogether.
Whether you need a simple repair, draught-proofing or a full refurbishment, the amount you pay will depend on the condition of your windows and the work involved.
This guide explains the typical cost of sash window restoration, common repair prices and when replacement may be the better option.
What's the typical cost of restoring sash windows?
If your sash windows are structurally sound, restoration is normally the more affordable route, compared with a full replacement.
A full refurbishment typically costs around £770 per window
A new timber replacement window usually starts from £1,450
The table below shows the average costs for common sash window repairs and restoration work.
| Repair type | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair - sill replacement | £160 | £320 | £240 |
| Repair - sill splice | £120 | £240 | £180 |
| Repair - stiles/front cheeks | £120 | £240 | £180 |
| Repair - replacement sash | £270 | £400 | £335 |
| Draught proofing | £248 | £388 | £318 |
| Sash window refurbishment | £620 | £920 | £770 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The total cost depends on the condition of your windows and the scope of work. Minor repairs such as cord replacement or draught-proofing sit at the lower end; full refurbishment including glazing, frame work, and decoration sits at the upper end.
Get quotes from checked sash window specialists
Comparing quotes from checked sash window specialists is the easiest way to understand what your project is likely to cost.
When requesting quotes, explain how many windows need attention, describe any obvious problems and mention if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
Find a sash window specialist near you
How much does it cost to repair sash windows?
The cost of repairing a sash window depends on the fault.
Replacing a rotten sill, repairing damaged timber and replacing a sash are all very different jobs, so expect costs to vary.
As a guide:
Sill replacement averages around £240 per window
Sill splice repairs average around £180
Repairs to stiles or front cheeks average around £180
Replacing the sash typically costs up to £400 per window
How much does sash window refurbishment cost?
A full sash window refurbishment costs around £770 per window on average.
Depending on the condition of the window, the work may include:
Repairing damaged timber
Replacing sash cords
Repairing or replacing glazing
Sanding and preparing timber
Draught-proofing
Decorating and repainting
Although a full refurbishment isn't inexpensive, it's often considerably cheaper than replacing the entire window.
What are the average draught-proofing costs for sash windows?
Draught-proofing typically costs around £318 per window.
The work usually involves fitting discreet brush seals to reduce draughts while allowing the window to continue operating normally.
If your existing windows are single glazed, you may also wish to install double glazing within the existing frames.
Typical double glazing costs are normally between £650–£1,300 per window.
How much does it cost to paint a sash window?
Painting helps protect timber sash windows from moisture and prolongs their lifespan.
As a guide, repainting a sash window and frame typically costs around £200–£500 per window.
Most timber sash windows benefit from repainting every five to ten years, depending on their exposure to the weather.
How much does a sash window replacement cost?
Sometimes restoration isn't the most practical option, particularly if the window has extensive rot or structural damage.
Typical replacement costs include:
New timber sash window: from £1,450 installed
New uPVC sash window (500 x 1000mm): approximately £600-£720 installed
While replacement is sometimes unavoidable, restoring an original timber sash window is usually the more economical solution.
'Repair' means fixing a specific problem: a broken cord, a rotten patch, cracked glass. 'Full refurbishment' means returning the whole window to good condition, with glazing, frame repair, decoration, draught-proofing, and sash cord all done together.
Factors affecting the cost of refurbishing sash windows
The final cost depends on several factors.
Number of windows: The more windows you refurbish, the higher the total project cost. However, many specialists reduce the price per window when carrying out multiple refurbishments during the same visit
Condition: Windows requiring extensive repairs naturally cost more than those needing only minor work
Scope of work: There's a significant difference between replacing a sash cord and carrying out a complete refurbishment with draught-proofing and glazing repairs
Listed buildings and conservation areas: If your property is listed or located in a conservation area, there may be restrictions on the materials and methods that can be used. Traditional timber repairs and specialist glazing requirements can increase costs.
Accessibility: Windows on upper floors or in difficult-to-access locations may require scaffolding or specialist access equipment
Location: Labour rates vary across the UK and are generally highest in London and the South East
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Is sash window restoration cheaper than installing a new window?
In most cases, yes.
A full sash window refurbishment typically costs around £770 per window, while a new timber sash window usually starts from £1,450 installed.
As well as saving money, restoration offers several other benefits:
Preserves the original character of your property
Helps retain original timber and glazing bars
Can be the preferred option for listed buildings and conservation areas
Reduces waste by repairing rather than replacing existing windows
If a window has extensive rot or structural damage, however, replacement may prove to be the more practical long-term solution.
How do you repair a sash window?
The work involved depends on the condition of the window and the extent of the damage.
Minor repairs
These are generally the quickest and least expensive jobs.
They may include:
Replacing broken sash cords
Repairing loose putty
Freeing a sticking window
Replacing cracked glass
Intermediate repairs
More extensive repairs can include:
Replacing a rotten sill
Carrying out a sill splice repair
Repairing damaged timber
Filling areas affected by rot
Full refurbishment
A full refurbishment may include:
Sanding and preparing timber throughout
Replacing the sash where required
Draught-proofing
Decorating and repainting
Repairing glazing and timber
A checked sash window specialist will be able to assess your windows and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Benefits of restoring sash windows
A well-executed restoration can significantly extend the life of your existing windows while preserving the original features that make period properties so distinctive.
Benefits include:
Usually costs less than full replacement
Retains original timber and period character
Reduces draughts and improves comfort
Can improve energy efficiency when combined with draught-proofing or upgraded glazing
Helps preserve traditional features in listed buildings and conservation areas
Can provide many decades of additional service with regular maintenance
Are sash windows worth restoring?
For many people, it's worth restoring sash windows.
Restoring original timber sash windows is usually less expensive than replacing them and helps retain the character of period homes.
Draught-proofing and upgrading the glazing can also improve comfort and energy efficiency without replacing the entire window.
If the window is structurally beyond repair, your specialist may recommend replacement instead.
How long does sash window repair take?
The time it takes to repair a sash window depends on the work involved.
As a general guide:
Minor repairs can often be completed within an hour or two
More extensive repairs may take several hours
A full refurbishment of a single sash window is usually completed within one working day
Sash window restoration cost calculator
The calculator below provides a guide price based on previous Checkatrade jobs.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For a more accurate cost, compare quotes from a selection of checked sash window specialists working in your area.
Sash window restoration cost checklist
Before requesting quotes for sash window restoration:
Find a checked sash window specialist near you
Finding a checked sash window specialist through Checkatrade is straightforward.
To help your installer prepare an accurate quote, provide:
How many windows need work
The problems you've noticed (sticking, rotten timber, broken cords, draughts and so on)
Whether your property is listed or in a conservation area
Whether you'd like draught-proofing or glazing upgrades included
Any access issues, such as upper-floor windows
Providing plenty of detail helps specialists understand the scope of the work before visiting your home.
Browse checked sash window specialists working in your area
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
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Sash window restoration cost FAQs
The most common issues are sticking (paint build-up or warped wood), rotten timber, draughts from worn seals, and broken sash cords that stop the window opening and closing smoothly. Each can usually be repaired. The earlier you catch them, the cheaper the fix.
Yes, in most cases. Even significant rot can be cut out and repaired with specialist timber fillers or splice sections. It's usually only cost-effective to replace a window outright when the frame itself has structurally failed.
Replacing a single sash cord typically costs around £70 to replace an inner cord, or around £80 for an outer cord. Replacing all four cords in one window usually costs in the region of £150. Ask your specialist to do all four in one visit to save on labour. Head over to our dedicated sash window cord repair cost guide to learn more.
A new uPVC sash window typically costs £600–£720 installed. A timber sash window starts at around £1,450 and can go higher for bespoke or heritage-spec units, which is why restoration is usually the more affordable route. See our guide to uPVC sash windows for a full breakdown.
For most homes, yes. Restoration costs around £770 per window depending on the work involved, compared to £1,450+ for a new timber replacement. A well-restored sash window can last decades, and if you're in a conservation area, replacing may not be an option anyway.
Draught-proofing a sash window typically costs £318 per window. The work involves fitting brush seals into the sash channels and around the meeting rail, which cuts heat loss noticeably and is often done at the same time as a refurbishment to keep labour costs down. See our full draught-proofing cost guide for more detail.
Fitting double glazing into existing sash window frames typically costs between £650–£1,300 per window. The glazing is cut to fit the original frames so the look of the window is preserved, and it's a popular option for homeowners in conservation areas who want better insulation without replacing the windows entirely.
The cost depends on the type of repair required. Minor repairs are relatively inexpensive, while more extensive refurbishment work will naturally cost more. The best way to get an accurate price is to compare quotes from checked sash window specialists in your area.
Sash window refurbishment cost key takeaways
Sash window restoration costs £620–£920 per window on average, depending on condition and scope
Repairs are usually cheaper than full refurbishment, with prices starting from around £120
Restoring is almost always cheaper than replacing. New timber sash windows start at £1,450+ per window
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