Replacement Window FAQ: What are the Pros and Cons of Wood Windows?

If it is time to replace your windows, one of the most important considerations is the frame material you choose. Each type of frame comes with its own pros and cons, and whether you want to lower your heating and cooling costs or upgrade your home’s appearance, there are many choices available to you. However, with all these choices comes a lot of confusion and overwhelm. Not only do you need to consider the replacement window material, but you also need to consider things like style and type, cost, return on investment, the best replacement window for your climate and lifestyle and how to find the right contractor. If you need help with all of the aforementioned, check out Windows on Washington’s ultimate guide for replacing your windows. 

If you have already done some preliminary research and are narrowing down your material options and think you might like to choose wood windows – well, this article is for you. We will be going through the pros and cons of choosing wood windows. 

How Much Do Wood Windows Cost?

According to Angi, wood windows cost anywhere from $150 to $1,300 per window. They are the second highest window replacement material, coming in second to fiberglass. However, there are many good reasons why you do pay a little extra for wood windows, which we discuss below. 

Wood Replacement Windows Pros and Cons

Wood replacement windows have plenty of benefits, but that is not to say they come without certain drawbacks. Let us take a look at some of the pros and cons of wood replacement windows. 

Pros of Wood Replacement Windows

Aesthetic: Wood replacement windows offer a timeless and classic aesthetic that you will not get from other window materials. Oftentimes people will choose a less expensive window material, only to end up using stains or wood panel overlays to mimic wood. 

Value add: Because wood replacement windows are so timeless, they offer great value to your home. 

Excellent energy efficiency: If energy efficiency is important to you, you cannot go past wood windows. Genuine wood frames are one of the most energy-efficient materials as they are excellent insulators. 

Soundproof: Wood replacement windows have great sound-proofing properties, providing a better buffer against outdoor noise than other replacement window materials. 

Durable: If properly maintained and cared for, wood replacement windows can last for generations. 

Cons of Wood Replacement Windows

Cost: As mentioned, wood frames are one of the more expensive frame options, but when you consider the value they add to your home and how durable they are, the upfront cost is certainly recuperated over time. 

Vulnerable: Because wood windows are made from a natural material, they are more susceptible to damage from heat, water and termites. However, these risks can be mitigated if you properly care for and maintain your windows. 

High maintenance: Wood frames do take more effort than say vinyl or aluminum windows and regularly need to be sanded, painted and treated to avoid some of the issues mentioned above. 

How to Find a Good Replacement Window Contractor

At the end of the day, no matter which replacement window material you choose, the most important decision is hiring the right replacement window contractor. It is worth noting that some window replacement contractors only specialize in a single type of window, so if you know what you need ahead of time, you will save yourself a lot of hassle. However, not all contractors will admit to only being experts in one or two types of windows, so that is why getting references is crucial.

Unless you are choosing a contractor that has done work for your friends and family before, you should never hire one without asking for references. Websites like Angi or Houzz are great places to read reviews about contractors. Finally, make sure your contractor is licensed, and with their licensing number, you can check to see if any complaints have been filed against them.

We hope this has helped! If you have any other questions about wood replacement windows, please get in touch.