Garden windows cost an average of $2,500
Garden window installation costs an average of $2,500, with most projects ranging between $1,200 and $3,650.
Cost factors for garden windows include size, materials, glass type, brand, and labor.
Hiring a professional window contractor to install your garden windows ensures that your project is expertly completed and warranty requirements are met.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a garden window costs an average of $2,500, with most homeowners spending between $1,200 and $3,650 for materials and professional installation. Without installation, costs start around $400 and can go up to $6,000, depending on size and materials. Your total garden window cost is based on factors such as window size, materials, brand, and more. Working with a professional window installer for your garden window project ensures high-quality installation for long-lasting results.
Garden windows extend outward from your home, creating a box-like structure with two side panels, a front panel, and a top panel pitched at approximately 45 degrees to allow proper runoff and increased natural light.
Similar to a bay window, garden windows have a deep windowsill where homeowners can grow plants year-round. They are commonly installed above kitchen sinks, but professionals can install them anywhere to bring in natural light and accommodate plants.
While garden windows are excellent for growing plants and increasing natural light, they have some potential drawbacks:
Let hot air escape in the winter
Act as a greenhouse, magnifying the sun's heat in the summer
Cause moisture problems from condensation, particularly in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room
Consider these common cost factors when planning your garden window budget.
Size largely dictates the price you pay for a garden window. Replacing a window costs less if you swap the old window for a new one of the same size. Replacing a window with one of a larger size means more prep work to increase the size of the wall and more finishing work to repair the area. Installing a window costs more than replacing an existing one.
Here are the cost ranges for varying sizes of garden windows, not including labor.
Size (Inches) | Cost Range (Window Only) | Average Cost (Window Only) |
---|---|---|
24x30 | $500–$1,400 | $935 |
30x30 | $700–$1,500 | $1,090 |
36x36 | $875–$1,500 | $1,190 |
36x48 | $900–$1,600 | $1,250 |
40x26 | $1,000–$2,600 | $1,800 |
48x48 | $1,050–$3,200 | $2,125 |
60x72 | $2,000–$6,000+ | $3,000+ |
On average, professional garden window installation costs range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the project, typically adding about 20% to 35% to the cost of the window.
Labor costs should include the actual installation, as well as removal, disposal, and cleanup. Steps involved in installation may include:
Covering floors and furniture in the interior to prevent damage
Carefully removing the existing window
Flashing out to prevent leaks
Insulating with high-quality foam
Installing the window
Caulking inside and out around sills and moldings
Cleaning up and disposing of materials and debris
Replacing a window with one of the same size typically does not require a permit. However, in most locations, making structural changes—such as enlarging an existing window opening or adding a new window—will likely require a permit. Your window contractor will be knowledgeable about local requirements and can handle the permit process for you.
Standard single-pane glass with no coating or film applied costs the least to install, but it's also the least efficient. Triple-paned glass is the most expensive but also the most efficient. However, unless you're in a particularly cold climate, most people feel that the potential energy efficiency improvement is not worth the extra cost. Instead, the majority of homeowners choose double-paned windows as they offer a great compromise between value and efficiency.
You can also boost energy efficiency with the type of glass you choose. Low-E glass is the most common. It's the best all-rounder, suitable for any climate. Low-emissivity glass slows heat transfer, helping to maintain optimal room temperature, be it warm or cool.
Low-iron glass is good for cold climates and north-facing properties. It increases solar gain, magnifies the sun's light and heat energy, and helps warm your home naturally.
Solar control glass reflects the sun's heat but still lets the vast majority of light through. It's expensive, but it helps create a naturally bright space without excessive heat. Solar control glass is a good choice for hot climates, particularly south-facing homes.
Windows with operable panes cost more than those without. Non-operable windows are less complex and, therefore, require fewer parts and less labor time than operable ones. Garden windows with a single operable pane cost less than those with two operable panes.
The average cost of buying and installing replacement windows ranges from $1,200 to $3,650 and up. The cost of replacing a window that's the same size as the existing one will be lower than the price required to expand the space to accommodate a larger-sized model.
Installing a new window or replacing the original one with a larger one takes more time and, therefore, costs more. In addition, a permit is required when installing a new window or making structural changes to replace an existing one.
The cost range for a garden window is $1,200 to $3,650 or more, all-in, depending on factors such as size, materials, and features.
Material | Cost Range (Installed) | Average Cost (Installed) |
---|---|---|
Aluminum | $900–$2,600 | $2,000 |
Vinyl | $1,000–$3,100 | $2,500 |
Wood | $1,200–$3,800 | $3,400 |
Fiberglass | $1,100–$3,200 | $2,150 |
For an aluminum garden window, expect to pay around $2,000, or between $900 and $2,600. Aluminum windows are lightweight, strong, and affordable, but they're not energy efficient, as the frames conduct heat easily. While a solid, economical choice in a moderate climate, aluminum windows aren't the best option for cold climates.
Vinyl garden windows typically cost $2,500, but can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,100. Vinyl frames are a good compromise between price and quality. They're low maintenance, energy efficient, and won't rot or grow mold. However, they're not the most attractive and aren't terribly flexible when it comes to home improvements.
Wooden-framed garden windows cost between $1,200 and $3,800 to install, with most people paying around $3,400. Wood garden windows are a premium home addition with a high-end look—and price. However, they also need more attention and maintenance to prevent rot, mold, and moisture damage. Wood frames’ exteriors are also commonly clad with aluminum or vinyl to prevent decay and ensure longevity.
While prices vary based on size, frame material, and where you live, a variety of popular brands offer garden window installation at different price points. Be sure to shop around to find a style that suits your home and a price point that falls within your budget.
Brand | Starting Price |
---|---|
ThermaStar by Pella | $500 |
Jeld-Wen | $600 |
Andersen | $700 |
Harvey | $600 |
Milgard | $1,000 |
Prices for ThermaStar by Pella garden windows vary by size but start at about $500. Vinyl windows from Pella come with a limited warranty that covers non-glass components for 10 years and glass components for 20 years.
The price of Jeld-Wen vinyl garden windows starts at about $600. Jeld-Wen offers a limited warranty; glass coverage lasts 10 to 20 years. Vinyl components come with a lifetime warranty.
Prices for Andersen garden windows—known as box casement windows—start at about $700. They have vinyl exterior and wood interior frames. Andersen windows have a limited warranty. Glass portions fall under a 20-year warranty and non-glass parts fall under a 10-year warranty.
Harvey garden windows cost about $600 at the low end. The vinyl components of Harvey windows come with a lifetime warranty, while the glass has a limited 20-year warranty.
Prices for Milgard garden windows start at about $1,000 for a 35-by-35-inch window. Milgard offers a full lifetime warranty on all components.
While DIY installation of a garden window may save money, it is a complex project that requires at least two days and advanced skills.
It’s best to protect your investment and hire a window installation pro. Window installation mistakes can lead to additional work or even costly repairs in the future. An incorrectly installed garden window could damage from leaks and reduce energy efficiency. Although DIY installation is possible, hiring a professional ensures optimal results and peace of mind.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
A garden window differs from a bay window in design and functionality. Garden windows feature vertical, box-like sides that create a dedicated planter space, while bay windows have angled sides designed to enhance panoramic views. Garden windows are compact and ideal for displaying plants on a deep sill, whereas bay windows offer a broader, seating-friendly area that maximizes exterior light and views.
Purchasing used garden windows is not recommended, as older units may compromise energy performance and proper fit. Used windows can have hidden damage, warping, or poor seals that lead to drafts and additional repair costs. New garden windows provide optimal efficiency, reliable installation, and long-term savings by helping you avoid costly maintenance in the future.
Garden windows are not outdated; they continue to offer modern benefits by infusing interiors with abundant natural light and dedicated planter space. Advances in energy-efficient glazing and improved materials ensure that garden windows meet today’s design and performance standards. Their unique aesthetic and functional appeal maintain their value as a stylish home improvement choice.
Permit requirements for garden windows depend on the scope of the project. Structural changes or enlargements of the window opening typically require securing a permit. If simply replacing an existing window with one of the same size, a permit is generally not needed. Professional installers usually manage all permit processes to ensure full compliance with local building codes.