Here’s what nobody tells you about timber window pricing: the quoted cost and the actual cost are often two completely different numbers. Not because of dishonest suppliers — though they exist — but because timber window pricing involves variables most homeowners don’t understand until they’re already committed.
We’ve been manufacturing timber windows since 2013, and the questions about cost haven’t changed. “How much for a standard window?” “Why does Company A quote £600 while Company B quotes £1,200?” “What should I actually budget?”
This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing, explains what drives costs up or down, and shows you how to compare quotes properly. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what you’re paying for — and what you’re not.
What You’ll Discover in This Article
- Current timber window pricing across different specifications
- The five variables that most dramatically affect cost
- How to compare quotes from different suppliers properly
- Hidden costs that catch homeowners by surprise
- Where it makes sense to spend more (and where it doesn’t)
Current Timber Window Prices (2026)
Let’s start with numbers. These are our own supply-only prices for made-to-measure timber windows, double glazed and factory finished as standard. All prices exclude VAT. Installation is extra, because your own joiner or builder fits the windows.
Starting Prices by Window Type (Supply Only)
| Window | From (+VAT) |
|---|---|
| Sash window on weights | £449 |
| Sash window on hidden springs | £449 |
| Flush single casement | £449 |
| Flush double casement | £599 |
| Georgian sash on weights | £649 |
| Georgian sash on hidden springs | £699 |
| Georgian triple flush casement | £799 |
| Solid oak windows | £799–1,299 |
These are starting prices in engineered pine. The final figure depends on the size, the timber and the options below, and you get a detailed quote within 48 hours. The current list is always on our timber windows prices page.
How the Timber Changes the Price
- Engineered Scandinavian pine: from £449+VAT. Lasts 25–35 years when maintained.
- Engineered Dark Red meranti: about 20–30% more than pine. Lasts 35–45 years when maintained.
- Solid European oak: £799–1,299+VAT per window. Lasts around 50 years when maintained.
Common Extras
- Acoustic laminated glass: £100–150 per window.
- Triple glazing: 25–35% more per window, and the window is about 50% heavier.
- Solid through Georgian bars: £100–200 per window more than applied bars.
- Delivery: £80–120 within 50 miles of our manufacturing base, £200–350 to the Scottish Highlands and other remote areas. Larger orders may qualify for free delivery.
What Drives Timber Window Costs?
Understanding price variables helps you make informed decisions and compare quotes properly.
Timber Species Selection
Timber choice creates the biggest single cost variation. Engineered pine — laminated softwood sections — offers excellent stability at the lowest price. It’s what most volume manufacturers use, and quality is generally good.
Hardwoods like meranti cost about 20–30% more than pine but bring natural durability and often require less maintenance. The reddish-brown colour appeals to many homeowners, particularly for stained finishes.
Solid European oak sits at the premium end: our oak windows are £799–1,299+VAT each. You’re paying for exceptional durability, beautiful grain, and prestige. For period properties or high-end renovations, oak often justifies its cost. For budget-conscious projects where painted finishes are acceptable, pine makes more sense.
Glazing Specification
Our windows are double glazed as standard with low-E glass, argon fill and warm-edge spacers in 14–24 mm units, reaching a whole-window U-value of 1.4 W/m²K. When you compare quotes, check whether argon and warm-edge spacers are included or charged as upgrades.
Triple glazing increases costs by roughly 25-35%. For north-facing rooms, noise-sensitive locations, or properties aiming for Passivhaus standards, it’s often worth it. For south-facing windows in moderate climates, standard double glazing performs adequately.
Specialist glass costs extra. On our windows, acoustic laminated glass adds £100–150 per window. Upgrades like this make sense for a specific problem, such as a busy road, but aren’t needed everywhere.
Manufacturing Complexity
Rectangular windows cost least to manufacture. Add curved heads, unusual shapes, or divided lights, and prices increase, because curved machining takes longer and wastes more timber.
Georgian-style glazing bars add cost, and the type matters. Applied bars are the most cost-effective, duplex bars are the most popular, and solid through-bars, with each pane sealed separately, add £100–200 per window compared with applied bars. Solid bars give the most authentic look, which conservation officers often ask for.
Finish Quality and Type
Primed-only timber (ready for on-site painting) is the cheapest finish some suppliers offer, but you then pay a decorator. Our windows come with a multi-coat microporous factory finish in any RAL or Farrow & Ball colour, so there is no painting on site.
Dual-colour finishing (different colours inside and outside) and special finishes such as custom colour matching usually cost more than a single colour, so ask for them to be priced separately on the quote.
Hardware and Ironmongery
Standard hardware — basic hinges, handles, and stays — is included in most quotes. Upgraded ironmongery (traditional monkey-tail fasteners, period-appropriate fittings, or high-security multi-point locks) adds to the price per window, so check what each quote includes.
For listed buildings or conservation areas, authentic period hardware often isn’t optional. Budget accordingly — these details matter to planning officers and significantly affect final appearance.
How to Compare Quotes Properly
Receiving three quotes ranging from £8,000 to £14,000 for apparently identical windows creates confusion. Here’s how to compare properly.
Check Specification Details
Quotes should specify: timber species and grade, glazing unit thickness and type (low-E coating, gas fill, U-value), finish type and number of coats, hardware specification and manufacturer, weatherstripping type, and whether surveying is included.
If a quote doesn’t detail these items, request clarification. “Timber windows, double glazed, painted” tells you almost nothing useful.
Understand What’s Included
Supply-only quotes shouldn’t include installation, but confirm whether delivery is included and how it varies by location. Our delivery costs £80–120 within 50 miles of our manufacturing base and £200–350 to the Scottish Highlands and other remote areas, and the charge is shown on the quote.
Check warranty terms — duration, what’s covered, exclusions. A longer warranty usually indicates confidence in product quality but verify what it actually covers. Some warranties exclude finish deterioration or require specific maintenance schedules.
Ask About Lead Times
Lead times vary a lot between suppliers, so ask for a date in writing. Our made-to-order timber windows are typically ready in around 20 working days from order confirmation and deposit.
Rushed orders can cost extra at some workshops. Plan ahead where possible.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the window supply cost, several additional expenses catch homeowners unprepared.
Installation Labour
Professional installation typically costs 30-50% of the window supply price. A £10,000 window order needs £3,000-£5,000 budgeted for fitting. London and southeast rates sit at the higher end; northern regions often cost less.
Installation complexity affects pricing. Straightforward replacements in accessible locations cost least. Scaffolding requirements, difficult access, or structural work to accommodate new window sizes increase costs substantially.
Building Control and Certification
Window replacement requires Building Control notification. FENSA-registered installers handle this automatically at no extra cost. Non-FENSA installers mean you’ll need separate Building Control approval — budget £300-£600 depending on your local authority.
Repairs and Making Good
Removing old windows sometimes reveals hidden problems — rotten lintels, damp penetration, inadequate insulation. Budget at least 10% contingency for unexpected remedial work. Period properties particularly often need additional work once old frames come out.
Internal and external decoration around new windows — replastering reveals, touching up paintwork, possibly new sills — adds another £100-£300 per window depending on existing condition.
Planning and Listed Building Consent
For listed buildings or conservation areas, planning fees and architectural drawings add costs. Basic applications might cost £200-£400; complex heritage projects requiring specialist consultants can reach £2,000-£5,000.
Where to Spend More (and Where to Save)
Worth the Premium
Quality timber and joinery: This is non-negotiable. Poor timber selection and sloppy joinery create problems that last the window’s entire life. If budget is tight, reduce window count or specification rather than compromising on fundamental manufacturing quality.
Proper glazing: The glass is most of a window’s area. Skimping on the glazing specification to save a little per window makes little sense when it affects thermal and acoustic performance so much.
Factory finishing: Professional factory-applied finishes outlast on-site painting. A factory finish costs more than primer, but it pays back through longer gaps between repaints and a better long-term appearance.
Possible Savings
Timber species for painted finishes: If you’re painting windows anyway, oak’s beautiful grain becomes invisible. Quality engineered pine painted to conservation standards looks the same as painted oak and costs considerably less: our pine windows start at £449+VAT, our oak windows at £799+VAT.
Glazing bars on secondary windows: Georgian-style bars look wonderful but add cost. Consider them for principal elevations and street-facing windows while using simpler designs for rear aspects and less visible locations.
Decorative hardware: Period-style ironmongery enhances authenticity, but standard quality hardware functions identically. On a tight budget, fit basic hardware initially and upgrade later when finances allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do timber window quotes vary so much between suppliers?
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Specification differences account for most variation. Lower quotes often use cheaper timber species, thinner glazing units, basic hardware, or primed-only finishes. Always compare exact specifications — timber grade, glazing type, finish quality, and hardware — not just sizes and prices.
Is it worth paying extra for factory-applied finishes?
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Generally yes. Factory finishes are applied to bare timber in controlled conditions, which gives better adhesion and more even coverage than painting on site. Our windows come with a multi-coat microporous factory finish as standard, in any RAL or Farrow & Ball colour.
Should I choose triple glazing over double glazing?
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For north-facing rooms, noisy locations, or Passivhaus projects, triple glazing’s 25-35% cost premium is worthwhile. For standard applications in moderate climates, quality double glazing with low-E coatings and argon fill performs adequately. Consider your specific thermal and acoustic requirements rather than automatically specifying triple glazing throughout.
What’s a realistic total budget for replacing windows in a 3-bed semi?
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Start from the price per window. Our engineered pine windows start at £449+VAT each, so 10–12 windows begin at around £4,500–5,400+VAT before sizes and options. Meranti adds about 20–30%, and solid oak windows are £799–1,299+VAT each. Then add delivery, your fitter’s labour and a contingency of at least 10% for remedial work.
Can I fit timber windows myself to save on installation costs?
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Technically yes if you’re competent with building work and have the right tools. However, poor installation compromises even excellent windows, affecting weatherproofing, thermal performance and operation. You’ll also need to notify Building Control yourself and pay its fee, rather than relying on a FENSA-registered installer’s self-certification. For most homeowners, a professional fitter is better value.
Conclusion
Timber window pricing in 2026 reflects genuine value differences in materials, manufacturing quality, and specification. The cheapest quote rarely represents the best value, and the most expensive doesn’t guarantee the best product for your needs.
Focus on comparing like-for-like specifications, understanding what drives costs, and spending where it matters most. Quality timber, proper glazing, and factory finishing deliver returns over decades. Decorative extras and premium species offer value in the right contexts but aren’t essential for excellent performance.
Ready for an accurate quote based on your specific requirements? Request your free, detailed quote — we’ll discuss your project, explain all options clearly, and provide pricing you can actually budget with confidence.
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