Wood Window Cost: 2026 Price Guide

A wood or wood-clad window replacement typically costs $900 to $1,800 per unit installed. That range covers the window, labour, removal, and trim, but the final number depends on whether the job is an insert or full-frame replacement. The frame type is decided only after the existing frame is inspected.

What goes into wood window cost

Wood windows sit at the higher end of residential replacement pricing because of material, finishing, and labour. A standard wood or composite unit installed averages $900 to $1,800. By comparison, a vinyl double-hung insert costs $350 to $800, and fiberglass runs $600 to $1,200 installed.

Pricing is never a single flat rate. Window Replacement Lab prices the unit, labour, removal, and trim separately. The contractor inspects the frame first, then recommends insert or full-frame replacement. Until that inspection happens, any number is an estimate, not a quote.

Insert vs full-frame replacement

An insert replacement fits a new sash and balance system into the existing frame. It is less invasive and usually less expensive. A full-frame replacement removes the window down to the rough opening, including the frame, sill, and interior or exterior trim as needed.

Full-frame replacement for a standard opening runs $550 to $1,100 before wood material upgrades. If the existing frame is rotted, out of square, or damaged by moisture, full-frame is usually required. If the frame is sound, an insert can save on labour and trim work.

Example arithmetic for a three-window living room project using insert replacement:

• Three wood units at $1,200 average each: $3,600
• Labour and removal included in installed pricing
• Trim and finishing: itemised separately by the contractor

If the inspection shows frame rot on one opening, that unit moves to full-frame pricing, which can add several hundred dollars for that opening.

Wood vs wood-clad vs other materials

All-wood windows offer a traditional look and can be painted or stained inside and out. They require regular maintenance to protect against moisture and rot. Wood-clad windows have a wood interior with an exterior skin, usually aluminum or vinyl, that reduces exterior upkeep.

Installed pricing for both usually falls in the $900 to $1,800 per-unit range. Cladding can add to the unit price but may lower long-term painting costs. Vinyl remains the lowest-cost common option at $350 to $800 for a double-hung insert, while fiberglass lands between vinyl and wood at $600 to $1,200 installed.

Style and project size affect price

Window style changes labour and material requirements. A standard double-hung is usually the baseline. Casement, sliding, and picture windows may carry different hardware and framing costs. Large or multi-panel assemblies cost more because of glass weight, handling, and installation time.

Bay and bow windows are a separate category. Because they project from the wall and often require structural support, roofing, and finish carpentry, a bay or bow window project runs $1,500 to $5,000. That is not comparable to a single flat window replacement.

Impact or hurricane-rated windows add another cost tier. These units run $1,200 to $2,600 installed because of reinforced glass, frames, and anchoring requirements. If you live in a wind-borne debris region, your local code may require impact-rated products even for wood frames.

Glass, hardware, and finish options

Glass choices move the price within the wood window range. Double-pane insulated glass is standard. Triple-pane, low-E coatings, argon fill, and laminated or impact glass add to the unit cost. If only the glass is failing, glass pane or IGU replacement costs $150 to $450, and screen replacement runs $100 to $350.

Hardware finishes, grille patterns, and custom paint or stain colours also add cost. A basic primed wood unit is at the lower end of the range; a custom-stained wood window with clad exterior and divided lites moves toward the top.

Maintenance and lifetime cost

Wood windows can last decades when maintained, but unfinished or poorly maintained wood is vulnerable to rot, especially at sills and joints. Wood-clad reduces exterior maintenance, but if the cladding fails and water gets behind it, rot can develop hidden from view.

When budgeting, include periodic painting or sealing for all-wood exteriors. Wood-clad owners should inspect cladding seams and drainage paths regularly. These are upkeep costs, not replacement costs, but they affect the total cost of ownership.

How to get a real price

Because insert versus full-frame is decided after frame inspection, there is no standard quote over the phone. A contractor should visit, measure each opening, check the frame condition, and then separate pricing into unit, labour, removal, and trim.

Use the style guides below to compare options before the inspection:

• Overall replacement budgeting: /window-replacement-cost/
• Pricing by window style: /window-replacement-cost-by-style/
• Double-hung window specifics: /double-hung-window-cost/

If you are considering a large projection window, see /bay-window-cost/ or /bow-window-cost/. For fixed glass areas, review /picture-window-cost/. Casement and sliding options are covered at /casement-window-cost/ and /sliding-window-cost/.

Wood and wood-clad windows cost more than vinyl or fiberglass, but they offer a traditional appearance and, with proper care, a long service life. Expect $900 to $1,800 per installed unit, with the final scope set only after a frame inspection.

Next, compare window replacement cost, window replacement cost by style, bay window cost before you commit.