Vinyl vs. Wood Windows: Point by Point Comparison
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In the last 25 years, wood dropped from accounting for almost half of all windows sold to less than 20%. Guess which material took wood’s place? Vinyl.
Does this mean that wood windows are lower quality than vinyl or more difficult to deal with? No, it means that when the sales representative speaks to you, vinyl windows get the hard sell.
Both wood and vinyl have strong points. Wood windows possess a classic charm that vinyl can only hope to impart. Yet for the majority of homeowners, vinyl’s low cost is a charm that beats wood’s aesthetic allure.
Vinyl Windows
Wood Windows
energy-saver.
Vinyl replacement windows are about 18% cheaper than wood windows, according to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report.
Vinyl vs Wood Windows: Which Windows Should I Buy?
Should you buy vinyl or wood windows?
With the multitude of window options available it can be difficult to sift through all of the information and figure out what windows are right for you. One of the greatest challenges, and the biggest decision to make, when buying windows is deciding which window material is right for your home.
To help you get started we’ll compare the pros and cons of the most common window frame materials, vinyl and wood. Are wood windows better than vinyl windows? What are the differences between vinyl and wood windows? And what exactly are vinyl clad wood windows? We’ll discuss the different aspects of these window materials so you can make an informed decision.
Are vinyl or wood windows more energy efficient?
If you had to make a decision on which window material to use solely based on energy efficiency, it would be a tough decision to make. Vinyl and wood windows actually perform similarly when it comes to energy efficiency. Fortunately, though energy efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying windows, it isn’t the only factor, so this decision becomes less difficult.
There are three other major factors that set vinyl and wood windows apart: window maintenance, window customization options, and the price of replacement windows.
Upkeep for vinyl vs wood windows.
Wood windows require more maintenance than vinyl windows. Wood should be re-painted or re-stained every 3-4 years to help protect them from the elements.
Unlike wood windows, vinyl windows require very little upkeep and maintenance after they’re installed because they never need to be re-painted or re-stained. Simply wash your windows once a year and give your windows a quick checkup to make sure they’re performing the way they should.
How do you give your windows a checkup? Watch the video below for the five things you should check on your windows each year.
Custom options for vinyl and wood windows.
It’s true. Wood windows are more easily customized than vinyl windows. This is because they can be painted or stained.
Unlike wood windows, vinyl windows can never be painted. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t be customized. Most homeowners think when you buy vinyl windows, you’re stuck with plain white windows. This is not the case. Vinyl windows can come in a variety of colors and finishes to match your home’s décor.
Do you like the look of wood windows? Vinyl windows can also be outfitted in a woodgrain laminate that can be color matched to match your wood floors and cabinets. Realistic looking wood laminates are available in a variety of woodgrains such as oak, cherry, and maple.
What is the cost of wood windows vs vinyl windows?
According to the 2016 Cost vs Value Report, vinyl windows are a better buy. Not only do vinyl windows cost $4000 less than wood windows cost, but they also recoup more of your investment in the long run. Wood windows recoup around 72.1% of their cost, while vinyl windows recoup 73.3% of their cost.
Keep in mind, every replacement window project varies in cost based on a few major factors:
- Window style
- Custom options, such as color, grids, and window hardware
- Quantity of windows
- Contractor or installer you choose
To learn more about what can affect the cost of replacement windows visit Simonton’s website HERE.
What are vinyl clad wood windows?
A vinyl clad wood window is comprised of both vinyl and wood. The base of the window frame is made of wood and vinyl is wrapped around the exterior of the window. This makes vinyl clad wood windows a more attractive option than wood windows because there’s less maintenance on the outside of the window. However, they still require a significant amount of upkeep compared to vinyl windows.
How to replace wood windows with vinyl windows.
Should you repair your old wood windows or replace them with vinyl windows? If you have drafty old wood windows with single pane glass, it’s a good idea to make the upgrade. New vinyl windows will be more energy efficient, save you money on your energy bills, and are less expensive than new wood windows.
Replacing wood windows with vinyl windows is an easy task for any professional window installer. Check out this step-by-step guide from Family Handy Man on how to replace a window.
In summary, are vinyl or wood windows better?
The answer depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and cost-effective option, vinyl windows are best. If you want to change the color of your windows from year to year, wood windows are the better option. Either way, both vinyl and wood windows will give you the energy efficiency you and your home needs.
Ready to add vinyl windows to your home?
Find the windows and patio doors your home needs with Simonton’s “My House” tool. “My House” allows you to organize the number of windows and window styles you want by room. And after you’re done choosing the windows you want you can easily send your window choices to your contractor, so they will know exactly what you’re looking for before they even see your house. Get started with your replacement window project here.
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Wood vs Vinyl Windows
Wood Windows
(10 48-inch sash windows installed)
Vinyl Windows
$7,700 — $9,800
(10 48-inch sash windows installed)
Cost varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Wood Windows
- Traditional appearance
- Can be painted or stained any color
- Many options to choose from
- Durable and long-lasting
- Improves resale value of home
- Energy-efficient
- High-maintenance
- Burns in a fire
- Can splinter or rot over time
- More expensive
- Harder to install
- Will not enhance security of the home
(10 48-inch sash windows installed)
Get free advice and estimates from window installers in your city.
Vinyl Windows
- Low-maintenance
- Less expensive
- Will not burn in a fire, splinter, or rot
- Easier to install
- Energy-efficient
- Improves resale value of home
- Will melt in high temperatures
- Can warp with expansion
- Will not enhance security of the home
- Fewer options
- Plastic appearance
- May not be as durable or long-lasting
(10 48-inch sash windows installed)
Get free advice and estimates from window installers in your city.
Replacing the windows in your home can keep energy costs down while making this important feature more attractive and functional. Windows that stick, rattle, let in air when shut, or are warped can detract from your home’s value, making it less comfortable to live in.
Replacement windows come in many different styles, materials, and glass types, with two of the more popular materials being wood and vinyl 1 for the frame. Both wood and vinyl 1 windows have positive attributes, but they look and function very differently. We outline these differences below so that you can make a more informed decision about which will be better in your home.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, wood windows have the most options and a more classic, traditional look. Wood windows are most commonly installed in historic homes where the appearance of the window matters most. They come in many different wood species, with pine being one of the least expensive and most common. However, it is possible to find wood windows in a range of species, including cedar for durability and mahogany for looks and style. The more exotic the wood, the more durable it is likely to be, but the higher the cost.
Wood windows can be painted any color or stained to show off the natural wood grain. It is also common for wood windows to have an aluminum or vinyl cladding on the exterior to keep maintenance low, while the interior has the authentic wood grain showing.
Vinyl windows have fewer options available when it comes to appearance. This is largely because the more ridges and faux wood grain the vinyl has, the more grime it tends to collect over time. For this reason, most vinyl windows are smooth in finish, which gives them a plastic appearance.
Vinyl windows mostly come in white but may be special ordered in a few other colors as well. They have fewer options for customization but come in a range of sizes and thicknesses of frame, which can influence how they look and how well they function over time.
Insulation and Energy-Efficiency
Both wood and vinyl windows can be energy-efficient. According to Energy Star, both are considered insulating. The key with vinyl is that it can be hollow or filled with foam, which can increase its insulating properties. Checking each window for the Energy Star label ensures that it is energy-efficient regardless of frame material.
In both cases, however, the efficiency of the material may change over time. Wood that is not well-maintained may splinter or rot, which can create air gaps for heat and cold to pass through.
Vinyl expands and contracts much more than other materials, including wood and glass. Over time, this expansion and contraction may warp the frame, which in turn could also cause an air gap to occur, lowering the efficiency. While wood windows can be repaired, vinyl cannot. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the windows.
Installation
The installation of vinyl windows is considered slightly easier and faster than the installation of wood windows. Vinyl windows are specifically designed to be popped in and out of the frame, making them a DIY project for savvy homeowners.
Wood windows take slightly longer to install because they need to be nailed and fitted more securely into the frame of the house. This can increase the amount of time needed for installation, therefore, increasing the labor costs. It is recommended that professionals install wood windows.
Costs
Of the two types of windows, vinyl is less expensive to purchase and install. A 48-inch vinyl sash window 2 is around $520 to $730 per window for materials. Installation costs about $250, for a total of $770 to $980 per window installed.
A 48-inch wood sash window is around $750 to $900 per window for materials. Installation is slightly higher at approximately $300, making the total about $1,050 to $1,200 per window.
Keep in mind that most people install 10 new windows at a time, making vinyl cost around $7,700 to $9,800 and wood cost about $10,500 to $12,000 for the entire project.
Maintenance
Wood windows require some maintenance to keep them looking and functioning their best. Keep them clean and dry, and any peeling paint or stain should be scraped away and repainted or restained to protect the wood. Wood windows that have been clad with vinyl or aluminum on the exterior are significantly lower maintenance than wood windows.
Vinyl windows are considered a low-maintenance material. The smooth vinyl windows can be quickly wiped clean with a cloth and do not rot, peel, or crack. Vinyl windows that have a faux wood grain can be harder to maintain because the faux wood grain also collects dirt and debris easily and is harder to wipe clean. They do not require any regular painting or staining, however.
All windows should be checked regularly to ensure that the exterior caulk 3 sealant is in place. Any cracked or missing caulk should be replaced to maintain the window’s integrity and energy-efficiency.
Durability
When properly maintained, wood windows can last for decades. They require painting and scraping regularly to keep them in good condition and to prevent warping or rotting. However, when this is done, they can last for many years.
Vinyl windows are lower maintenance but do not have as long a track record as wood. Early vinyl windows warped or cracked after just a few years, which meant they had to be replaced regularly. Vinyl has improved in recent years, but these improvements have only been in place for roughly 10 years. Vinyl may be durable and outlast wood, but no data supports this.
It is thought, however, that new vinyl windows will outlast wood, provided the vinyl is thick enough, and the slope of the exterior sill is angled to prevent water from pooling against the frame.
Fire Resistance
Wood windows will burn if exposed to fire or flame. Vinyl will not burn or spread flames, but it can melt when exposed to heat. Any temperature above 165º F will begin to melt and warp the vinyl. So, while vinyl will not burn or spread flames to other areas of your home, it can melt even in direct sunlight.
Security
Both wood and vinyl are considered a material that is easily compromised. In other words, neither material will make your home more secure in the event of a break-in. Wood can be easily splintered, while vinyl will crack and bend under pressure. In either case, it is the type of window that really helps make the home more secure not the frame material. Casement windows 4 , which require a crank, or windows with stops that only allow them to open a small amount may be more secure than other styles, but there is little difference in security between wood and vinyl.
Resale Value
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report for 2018, vinyl replacement windows recoup slightly more at the time of resale than wood replacement windows. Vinyl’s return on investment (ROI) is 74.3% while wood’s ROI is 69.5% So, both will increase the value of your home, but vinyl windows will increase the value slightly more.