How Much Do Garden Windows Cost?

Average Cost to Install a Garden Window

What Is a Garden Window?

Garden windows look a little like miniature wall-adjacent greenhouses. They’re a type of window that protrudes from your home, with a three-dimensional style consisting of two side panels, one front panel, and a top panel. The top panel is pitched at around 45 degrees to ensure proper runoff and to bring in more light. 

Similar to a bay window, garden windows have a deep windowsill where homeowners can grow plants year-round. You'll most commonly find them above kitchen skinks, but pros can install them anywhere to bring in natural light and make way for plants. 

While these windows are great for growing flowers, herbs, and veggies year-round and bringing in a lot of natural light, they have a few potential drawbacks, too. They can:

• Let hot air escape in the winter

• Act as a greenhouse, magnifying the sun's heat in the summer

• End up creating moisture problems from condensation, particularly in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room

Garden Window Costs by Material

The cost range for a garden window is $1,000 to $4,000 or more, all-in, depending on factors such as size, materials, and features.

Aluminum

For an aluminum garden window, expect to pay around $2,000, or between $1,400 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

Vinyl garden windows typically cost $2,500, but can run anywhere from $1,900 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. 

Wood

Wooden-framed garden windows cost between $2,800 and $4,000 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.

Average Garden Window Costs by Size

Size largely dictates the price you pay for a garden window. Replacing a window costs less if you're swapping 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 in the wall, along with more finishing work to repair the area. Installing a window costs more than replacing an existing one.

Garden Window Cost Factors

Many variables impact garden window prices, aside from frame material and window size. Remember to account for these common influencers when planning your garden window budget.

• Single-, double-, or triple-pane glazing

• Standard, Low E, Low Iron, or Solar control glass

• The number of openable glass panes per window

• Additional shelves to increase plant capacity

• Permit fees if you need to make structural changes or install a new window

• Lower cost per window if you add a garden window as part of a larger window replacement project

Garden Window Installation Cost

On average, professional installation costs from $300 to $1,000, depending on factors such as size, how much labor is necessary on the rough opening, and which types of changes will fit and secure the window. In most cases, installation charges will add about 20% to 35% to the cost of a window itself. However, professional installers may be able to get a better price.

Labor costs should include the actual installation, 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

Permits

If you're simply replacing one window with the same size of window, you won't need a permit. However, in most locations, if you're making any structural changes, whether that's increasing the size of the opening of an existing window, or adding a new window to your property, you'll likely need a permit. Your contractor should know what's required and take care of it for you, but it's always best to check. A permit costs up to $500. 

Type of Glass

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 choose to 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, magnifying the sun's light and heat energy, helping to 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 helps to create a naturally bright space without excessive heat. Solar control glass is a good choice for hot climates, particularly south-facing homes.

Operable vs. Non-Operable

Windows with operable panes cost more than those that don't. 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.

New vs. Replacement

The average cost of buying and installing replacement windows ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 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 needing to replace the original one with a larger one, takes more time and therefore costs up to 50% more. Remember, too, that you'll need a permit if you install a new window or have to make structural changes to replace an existing one.

Garden Window Prices by Brand

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.

ThermaStar by Pella

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.

Jeld-Wen

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.

Andersen

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

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.

Milgard

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.

Solar Innovations

Garden windows from Solar Innovations use solar technology that allows plants to receive the greatest amount of sunlight. Price varies by size and includes installation. Solar Innovations offers a one-year warranty on aluminum products. The warranty for vinyl products varies, depending on the warranty offered by the manufacturer of the non-glass components, while there is a one-year warranty for the glass.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a garden window yourself can save you hundreds of dollars, but it's not a simple project. Set aside at least two days to complete the installation, and make sure you have the necessary skills before taking it on.

If you're the least bit unsure, hire a window pro. Window installation mistakes can lead to more work—or even costly repairs—down the road. An incorrectly installed garden window could lead to damage from leaks as well as reduced energy efficiency. Though DIY installation is possible, play it safe and go with the pros.

Cost of Building Your Own Garden Window

If you're handy with tools, you can save hundreds of dollars by building your own garden window. You'll need the following materials:

• ¾-inch exterior plywood ($40)

• 1x4 pine ($10–$15)

• tapered casing or drip tap molding ($5)

• acrylic window well cover ($30)

• drill ($50)

• jigsaw ($50)

• screwdriver ($5)

The costs of going the DIY route add up to just under $200, saving you around $800 or more. 

FAQs

What's the difference between a garden and a bay window?

The average cost of replacing and installing a bay window is about $2,200. While both garden and bay windows project from your house and offer peripheral views, the difference lies in their angles, size, and usage. In most cases, the sides of a bay window angle away from the house at 25 to 45 degrees, while garden windows tend to have 90-degree sides, creating more of a box shape.

Size is another determining factor. Garden windows tend to be smaller, with standard sizes reaching up to 48-by-48 inches. In contrast, bay windows can come in a wide range of sizes, including very large models that can accommodate seating and furniture.

These different windows also tend to serve different purposes in the home. While bay windows create a focal point or enhance a view, garden windows usually have a shelf that allows you to grow plants or display items, rather than simply create a view.

Can I buy used garden windows?

While buying used may save you a few dollars upfront, it may cost more in repairs over time. Today's windows are more energy efficient than ever, with advances such as double-panes that save energy, lower your electricity bills, and reduce heat loss. In addition, used windows may be warped or otherwise damaged in such a way that they simply don't fit exactly the way they're supposed to. This may lead to drafts, leaks, and further damage over time.

Do garden windows increase home value?

Potentially, yes, garden windows increase home value. For example, a kitchen with a small window that brings in minimal light is less attractive to buyers than one with a substantial garden window that captures lots of sunlight and brightens the space. Additionally, where a garden window replaces old, worn, inefficient windows, the new window improves efficiency and appearance, thus increasing value.

Are garden windows outdated?

Garden windows are not outdated, although they're not as popular as they were in previous decades. They're still useful for homeowners who want to grow plenty of indoor plants and for properties that need the extra natural light. And, with improvements in glazing technology, there are several types of energy-efficient glass, making garden windows suitable for any climate.

How deep is a garden window?

The depth of garden windows varies by brand. Plus, garden windows are often custom builds, so they can be any depth. However, most garden windows have a sill between 15 and 24 inches deep. 

Remember, though, that location is an important consideration if you choose one with a very deep sill. For example, if the sill is 24 inches deep and the window sits behind your kitchen sink, you may struggle to reach the window to open panes, clean the window and sill, and access your plants.