Wooden vs. Vinyl Windows: What Are the Differences?

The biggest difference between wood versus vinyl windows is the material. Wood windows are made with natural materials, while vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They have many differences, particularly in appearance, price, and durability.

In this article:

1. What Are Wood Windows?
2. What Are Vinyl Windows?
3. Appearance
4. Cost
5. Upkeep
6. Durability
7. Installation
8. Life Span
9. Environmental Impact
10. Resale Value
11. Are Wood Windows or Vinyl Windows Better for Your Home?
12. Wood and Vinyl Windows vs. Other Options

What Are Wood Windows?

Wood windows are a classic, traditional option with a lot of natural beauty. Most wooden windows are made of pine and Douglas fir, although plenty of other options are available, including cedar, oak, and mahogany.

What Are Vinyl Windows?

Vinyl is a popular building material, and windows are no exception. In particular, vinyl windows are a sought-after alternative to wood windows because of their durability and lower price point. They’re made of PVC and come in many colors. They typically have hollow cores, but you can buy frames with a foam filling for extra insulation.

Appearance

How your new windows look can change how your entire home looks. Some homes would benefit from more customizable options.

If you think your style is going to change and you’re going to repaint these new windows at any time, the material you choose will determine whether that’s even possible.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
Classic, timeless look	Doesn’t stand out as much visually
Can paint or stain	Available in many colors

Wood Windows

Wood windows are highly customizable because you can paint or stain them to fit the aesthetics of your home. In addition, you can swap out the hardware. They’re a beautiful and timeless option for classically styled spaces. It can make a space feel more rustic if you have a cabin or a farmhouse, or it can also elevate a sophisticated home.

Lighter wood options include oak, pecan, and redwood, while darker wood options include cherry and mahogany. Many people opt to keep the natural color of their wood, but if you decide to paint them, you’re only limited to the paint colors you can buy.

Vinyl Windows

You have a large range of options when it comes to vinyl windows, so you can get exactly what you want for your home. The most common colors are white and tan, along with other neutral shades like black, brown tones, gray, red, green, and blue.

The downside to vinyl windows, compared to wood ones, is that you can’t repaint them. That means that whatever color you get is the color it’ll be for the window’s life span.

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Cost

Due to supply, demand, and ease of manufacturing, these two materials have very different upfront costs. Wood windows are much more costly but come with the benefits of a longer life span.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
$300 – $800 per window	$150 – $400 per window

Wood Windows

Wood windows cost around $300 to $800 each. They’re more expensive to produce and are manufactured by fewer companies, which drives up the price.

In addition to the actual cost of the windows, consider future energy prices. A well-insulated window can help you save money on electricity bills. The good news is that wood is known as one of the best window materials for insulation and energy efficiency overall. This is because they completely inhibit the transmission of heat and cold.

Vinyl Windows

If you’re looking for a cost-effective window, you’ll likely choose vinyl over wood. Vinyl windows cost approximately $150 to $400 each.

Also, vinyl windows are energy-efficient. They don’t conduct heat or cold and have good insulation. You can increase the insulation by opting for foam-filled frames rather than hollow-core frames.

Upkeep

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys tending to details, like painting and staining, there’s a definite winner when comparing wooden versus vinyl windows.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
Paint or stain every 3 – 4 years	No painting or staining required
Potential for rot, which needs timely repair	No chance of rot

Wood Windows

Wood windows are much more high-maintenance than vinyl ones. For one, you have to repaint or stain them once every three to four years, which can be a labor-intensive project depending on the size of your home. Getting the repainting, staining, and sealing done appropriately will impact the windows’ durability and life span. So make sure to hire a painting pro near you to help you get the job done if you’re not up to the DIY project.

Secondly, you must keep wood windows well-maintained to avoid rot and damage from the weather and pests. The wood can also chip and break from rough, daily use.

If you ever notice any damage, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. The rot will only worsen, and any gaps in the window frame will allow heat and cold to enter and leave your home.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows don’t require the repainting or sealing that wood ones do. You only need to clean them regularly by wiping them with soapy water. And since they’re fairly durable, the most common repairs are for replacing or fixing the hardware. It’s hard to cause physical damage to the frames, like cracks or dents, unless you happen to strike it with force.

Durability

If you’re trying to choose between vinyl or wood windows, durability is an important factor to consider. Wood will last longer, which makes it more durable in that sense. But vinyl won’t respond to environmental conditions as readily and is more durable throughout its shorter lifetime.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
Lasts longer but requires more maintenance	Shorter life span but less maintenance
Can chip, crack, rot, warp, or peel	Not easily damaged

Wood Windows

Wood windows are durable and have a longer life span than vinyl ones. However, they do show wear and tear over time and require regular maintenance. And unlike vinyl windows, wood windows can chip, peel, warp, and crack. Also, wood can rot and become infested by pests.

For the most durable option, get aluminum-clad wood windows. These have aluminum covering on the outside, which can withstand extreme weather. But you still get the beauty of the wood on the interior, which makes this a popular option. It can be an especially good idea for waterfront homes.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are arguably more durable than wood windows because they can’t warp, rot, or rust. They do a great job of resisting water and pests.

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Installation

Just like with the cost of the windows, the cost of window installation is higher for wood windows versus vinyl windows. Unless you’re looking for the visual aesthetic of wooden windows, this may be another reason to opt for vinyl windows. Consider the details of buying and installing inexpensive windows to help you decide.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
$200 – $300 for labor per window	$150 – $250 for labor per window
Heavier (20 – 30 lbs.) and more difficult to install	Lighter (8 – 12 lbs.) and easier to install

Wood Windows

It costs around $200 to $300 for labor to install each wood window. The process is complicated because the unit is heavy, weighing 20 to 30 pounds. There are many steps, like making modifications to the window, sanding, and staining it.

Installing wood windows is best left to the pros. You should hire a window installer near you to ensure the job gets done correctly.

Vinyl Windows

You can expect to pay $150 to $250 to install each vinyl window. This process is quicker and easier than installing wood windows because no sanding or painting is required, and the windows are much lighter. This is likely a better option if you’re planning on DIY-ing the installation. Just make sure you know how to remove and install windows in your home.

Life Span

When it comes to the life span between wood versus vinyl windows, wood is the winner. To ensure their longevity, you’ll need to maintain a solid maintenance schedule. Otherwise, you’re better off with the vinyl windows.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
30 years+	15 – 20 years
Repairs cost $150 – $500	Repairs cost $200 – $400

Wood Windows

Wood windows last 30 years or more with proper maintenance and care. The typicalcost of window repairs ranges between $150 and $500. This includes fixing broken panes. The cost of repairing the frame itself ranges from $200 to $600.

Vinyl Windows

You can expect vinyl windows to last 15 to 20 years. The actual life span will vary depending on the climate you live in. Windows in areas with lots of harsh sunlight tend to wear out faster because the sunlight breaks down the vinyl material.

If you accidentally break the glass, you can expect the window replacement cost to range between $200 and $400.

Environmental Impact

If environmental factors weigh heavily during your decision-making process, you’ll likely go with wood windows. Besides being more environmentally friendly during manufacturing, they have lots of uses after they reach the end of their life span.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
Manufacturing process is better for the environment	Manufacturing process isn’t as good for the environment
Trees absorb carbon dioxide	Vinyl has no comparable benefits
Many recycling options	Can be recycled at specific facilities

Wood Windows

Wood windows are more environmentally friendly to manufacture. Even so, it’s notable that the process releases carcinogens and negatively impacts land use.

But because the trees absorb carbon dioxide while growing, it helps balance out the negative impacts during manufacturing.

Additionally, when you’re done with the wood windows, there’s so much you can do with them. Rather than toss them, you can recycle them and repurpose them. Some ideas are making a jewelry display, using it as decor pieces in rustic farmhouse spaces, and adding hooks and installing mirrors to hang in your entryway.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are less environmentally friendly to manufacture because the process releases more pollutants into the air. These pollutants contribute to climate change and ecotoxicity. And unlike wood windows, the materials don’t come from a sustainable source.

After your vinyl windows reach the end of their life span, you can recycle them. You need to find the right recycler to take the old windows, but they can take the PVC, melt it down, and use that to make other vinyl items.

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Resale Value

If you’re looking to sell your home within the next five to 10 years, you’re likely interested in each option’s potential return on investment (ROI). The great news is that both wood and vinyl windows offer a reasonably high ROI.

Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
ROI of 67% – 70%	ROI of 74%

Wood Windows

Wood windows have a high ROI of around 67% to 70%. This is slightly lower than the ROI for vinyl windows, but with everything considered, it’s not necessarily a dealmaker or dealbreaker.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows have an ROI of around 74%. The ROI is higher than wood, which is great considering the price point is much lower for vinyl windows.

Are Wood Windows or Vinyl Windows Better for Your Home?

Whether wood or vinyl windows are better for your home depends largely on a few factors. Are you willing to do the required maintenance and pay higher upfront costs for something that lasts longer? In that case, wood windows are a great choice, especially since they add so much to your spaces aesthetically. But if you’re inclined to go with something more affordable with almost no maintenance, then vinyl is your winner.

Factors	Wood Windows	Vinyl Windows
Appearance	Classic, timeless look	Doesn’t stand out as much visually
Cost	$300 – $800 per window	$150 – $400 per window
Upkeep	Paint or stain every 3 – 4 years	No painting or staining required
Durability	Can chip, crack, rot, warp, or peel	Not easily damaged
Installation	$200 – $300 for labor per window	$150 – $250 for labor per window
Lifespan	30+ years	15 – 20 years
Environmental Impact	Manufacturing process is better for the environment	Manufacturing process isn’t as good for the environment
Resale Value	ROI of 67% – 70%	ROI of 74%

Wood and Vinyl Windows vs. Other Options

If you’ve considered all the pros and cons of wood windows versus vinyl windows but are still not sold on either, then check out these options. Deciding on the type of window you want is a big decision, and you should find the perfect fit before moving forward. There’s just a lot to consider. After all, there are more than 19 types of windows to choose from.

vs. Vinyl Clad Wood Window

If you’re scanning through the pros and cons thinking you’d like the low-maintenance and weather-resistant exterior that vinyl offers with the longevity of wood, consider vinyl-clad wood windows. These products have wood frames wrapped with vinyl. They won’t be as maintenance-free as vinyl, but they’ll be nowhere near as high-maintenance as wood. The interior-facing portion of the frame is wood, so you can paint it and enjoy the elegance of the material indoors.

• No painting or sealing
• Lower maintenance costs
• Many colors and styles available
• Great insulators
• Classic look of wood on interior

vs. Fiberglass Windows

Compared to the two materials explored in this guide, fiberglass has some definite pros and cons. The cost is quite high, about $600 to $900 per window. But it’s for a good reason, with a life span of up to 50 years and high durability with no warping.

vs. Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows are comparable to vinyl in terms of cost. Each unit is around $150 to $400. It doesn’t warp, but it can rust. It’s also not a good insulator. However, these windows are durable, eco-friendly, and can be recycled.

vs. Composite Windows

Manufacturers make composite windows with two different materials like wood, plastic, metal, and vinyl. For example, a composite window can contain 40% wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer. These cost around $200 to $1,800 per window so they’re definitely steeper than wood and vinyl options.

However, these are great insulators and help you save on your energy costs. You don’t have to worry about warping, rot, corrosion, or peeling. Moreover, they’re low-maintenance and good for the environment as they’re often partially made from sustainable materials.

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