Wood vs. Vinyl Windows: What’s the Difference? (2024)

Window manufacturers offer various window styles and frame options such as wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and aluminum cladding. Given the widespread popularity of vinyl and wood windows among homeowners, we are comparing the two to see how they stack up to one another.

The main difference between vinyl and wood windows is cost, maintenance and aesthetic appeal, with some wood windows costing roughly 60% more than vinyl windows. Cost aside, wood windows are prone to fading and rotting, demanding more maintenance than vinyl windows. Nevertheless, wood offers a timeless elegance that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Exploring new window options can improve your home’s appearance, reduce your monthly energy bill and even improve your mood. Studies have shown that natural light can positively impact your mental health and general well-being, so choosing a window with a broad view that looks good and fits within your budget can benefit you and your wallet.

Which is the best window for you? Below we delve into the differences between wood and vinyl windows so you can make an educated decision.

Wood vs. vinyl windows: What’s the difference?

Wood and vinyl are common choices for new construction and replacement windows. An estimated 40.31 million homes, including single-family homes, apartments and mobile homes, are designed with wood window frames, while 31.85 million contain vinyl windows, according to Energy Information Administration data.

While “vinyl windows generally have thicker frames than their wood counterparts, especially storm-rated windows, the thickness adds strength and durability to the frame,” explained David Heim, a retired contractor with 17 years of industry experience. “A sturdier frame is better to mount storm-rated glass,” he added.

However, the difference is usually minimal and unnoticeable. Let’s take a closer look at each type of window.

Wood window frames

Wood has remained a timeless material for framing windows for more than a century. Among the various wood types used, common choices include pine, mahogany, oak, maple and sapele — a nonendangered mahogany species. Opting for wood allows for customization options, such as painting the frame, staining it or leaving it unfinished.

In addition to having aesthetic appeal, wood is a natural insulator, making it a top contender for energy efficiency. Wood frames prevent air from entering and escaping your home, regulating the temperature inside. In turn, this can reduce your electricity costs.

Vinyl window frames

Vinyl window frames are made from high-quality, impact-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a mass-produced plastic found in common household items such as blinds. They are moisture-resistant and contain ultraviolet light stabilizers, which prevent the sun from wearing down the material.

Like wood windows, vinyl windows are effective thermal insulators. They can also be customized by color and finish, though painting them is not recommended, as primers tend to weaken the material.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wood vs. vinyl windows?

Both vinyl and wood are excellent options for those seeking design flexibility and energy efficiency in their window material. But, let’s delve deeper into these materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Wood window advantages and disadvantages

Wood windows offer a timeless design and myriad customization options. They’re also energy-efficient. However, the classic aesthetics and premium materials come at a cost. Here are the main considerations to know before purchasing them:

Vinyl window advantages and disadvantages

Vinyl windows have a long life span and are nearly maintenance-free after installation. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to wear. They may also not have the customization options to match your aesthetic preferences. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl windows:

Why do wood windows cost more than vinyl windows?

Wood window frames command a higher price than vinyl frames due to material costs and the labor-intensive craftsmanship involved in their production. Moreover, wood exudes a natural beauty that vinyl can’t replicate, making it a highly sought-after material for homeowners striving to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their homes.

Wood window cost

Window type, size, window installation fees and product location all dictate the price you’ll pay for a wood window. At Lowe’s, wood window prices start at around $358 and go up to $1,116. In addition to shelling out a higher initial investment for wood windows, you should factor in future costs, such as having the wood stained or repainted every few years.

“Wooden window frames should be refinished every three to five years. If you can do it yourself, it can save you about $100–$300 per window, depending on the window size,” said Heim. This can be accomplished by scraping away loose and flaking paint, sanding the surface until it is smooth and repainting. You’ll also want to caulk your windows to ensure moisture and insects can’t get inside.

Vinyl window cost

The average cost for vinyl windows ranges from $800 to $1,900 per window, per Home Depot pricing. Like wood window frames, vinyl cost depends on the window size and type, as well as your location. At Lowe’s, vinyl window frames start at $98 for a 17.5-inch wide by 23.5-inch high vinyl single-hung window. Lowe’s also provides other window types in vinyl, with bay windows being the costliest.

Comparing vinyl and wood window prices

To illustrate how wood window prices stack up against vinyl, we compared a Jeld-Wen 24-inch wide by 36-inch wide casem*nt window from Home Depot in wood clad and vinyl and found that the wood version ($670) was 21% more expensive than the vinyl window ($555).

Pella wood windows sold at Lowe’s cost roughly 60% more than vinyl window frames. For instance, a new construction Pella 35.5-inch wide by 59.5-inch high double-hung wood window is priced at around $772.51. The same window in vinyl costs $479.78, making the wood window 61% more expensive.

What’s next?

If you want wood windows but dislike the idea of ongoing maintenance, consider having a storm window installed, which is an additional single-glazed window mounted to the exterior of the primary window. This provides “protection for historic wood windows, which helps you avoid having to replace them,” explained Dave Martin, President of Allied Window in Cincinnati.

Nonetheless, “wooden windows are outdated and vinyl windows are less expensive, more energy efficient, easier to install and maintain, and the longer lasting choice,” said Heim.

Top window providers such as allow you to select windows with a wood interior frame and vinyl exterior frame and vice versa. So, if you’re torn between the two, you can actually get both.

Whichever window frame material is right for you, we recommend shopping around to find the combination of cost and features that suit your needs. Gather at least three quotes from window companies before making a final decision.

*© 2023 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.