What Is the Cost to Install or Replace Arched Windows? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $450 - $2,000
The average homeowner spends around $650 to have an arched window installed, but prices can fall anywhere from $250 and $4,000, depending on the window size, frame material, accessibility, and more.
Arched windows cost around $650 to install, with most homeowners paying somewhere between $450 and $2,000 for the service. The cost depends on a few factors, including the window size, its location, the frame material, whether you’re installing a new arched window or a replacement window, and more.
In this guide, we’ll provide more information on how to estimate the cost of arched window installation to help you budget for the project more effectively.
- Average
- $650
- Low end
- $250
- high end
- $4,000
Arched Window Cost Factors
Arched window installation costs can fall anywhere from $250 up to $4,000. This range is wider than you’ll find for most other types of windows, and where exactly your price falls depends on a few key cost factors.
Window Size
As is the case with any type of window, the size of your window will play a major role in the installation cost. Bigger windows require more materials for manufacturing, and they’re also bulkier and more difficult to lift into place, meaning they’ll cost more for both the materials and the labor.
The table below includes some standard pricing for common window sizes to help you get an idea of what yours will cost.
| Width x Height (ft) | Avgerage Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 x 2 | $350 |
| 5 x 3 | $900 |
| 4 x 5 | $1,200 |
| 6 x 4 | $1,440 |
| 8 x 5 | $2,500 |
| 8 x 8 | $4,000 |
Window Location
The location of the arched window in your home will play a role in the total window replacement cost, mostly because location determines how accessible your wall is for the work.
Arched window replacement on the first floor, with no landscaping features around to complicate things, will cost less than installing the same-sized arch window on the second floor. Your installer must maneuver the window up a ladder and into place, which requires additional safety equipment and takes a bit longer.
Your installation company will likely need to send multiple technicians to get the job done safely, driving up labor costs.
Frame Material
The window frame material plays an important role in the material costs associated with your window. Some frame materials, like fiberglass and wood clad, can cost twice as much as the same-sized window with an aluminum frame. The table below includes standard pricing for arched windows with different frame materials.
| Frame Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $250–$450 |
| Vinyl | $250–$1,000 |
| Composite | $400–$1,500 |
| Wood | $250–$1,800 |
| Fiberglass | $600–$2,000 |
It’s worth mentioning that cost is not the only difference between the different materials. They all have a different appearance from the outside, varying life spans, and different levels of energy efficiency they provide. We recommend speaking with a window company near you to determine what window frame material will suit you best.
Type of Glass
In addition to frame material, you’ll also need to think about what type of glass you want, as the price will depend, in part, on the glass you choose for your windows. Triple-pane glass will be your best bet if you’re looking for the best energy efficiency and sound dampening. Single-pane glass is the most affordable option of the three but isn’t suitable for most climates in the U.S. Double-pane glass offers a good balance of affordability and performance.
The table below offers a quick look at arched window material costs based on the type of glass you want.
| Glass Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-pane | $250–$500 |
| Double-pane | $350–$2,000 |
| Triple-pane | $500–$4,000 |
New Window vs. Replacement Window
The cost of arched window installation will depend on whether you’re creating a new opening in an exterior wall to install a new window or just replacing an existing arched window with a new one.
The primary difference is that there’s more labor involved with new window installation. You’ll need to open the wall, frame a window opening, install the window, carry out drywall repairs, and trim installation above and below the new window. You can expect to pay around $800 for this work, on average.
If you already have a wall opening and are just replacing a window, you have two options:
Full-frame window replacement: This will cost you around
$650and is the more expensive of the two replacement options. You’ll need more materials, including a complete window frame.Retrofit window replacement: A retrofit window replacement is when you leave the old frame in place and just fit an insert inside it. This is less expensive, averaging around $300, but it might not leave you with the desired appearance.
Labor
Labor accounts for around 30% to 50% of the total arched window installation cost, or between $200 and $400 in most cases. Remember that labor charges can go up if you’re replacing windows on the second floor or need to install oversized arched windows.
Labor costs on a per-window basis can decrease if you get multiple window installations or repairs done simultaneously since your technician is already on-site.
Arched Window Ongoing Expenses
All windows will need ongoing maintenance to ensure they continue functioning as they should, and arched windows are no exception. Below are some ongoing expenses you should account for after installing arched windows in your home:
Maintenance and cleaning: $4–$15 per window, usually as part of a larger project
Window repairs: Around $400, on average, as needed
Weatherstripping replacement: $8–$15 per window, usually as part of a larger project
DIY Arched Window Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s possible to install an arched window yourself, and the process isn’t any more complicated than it is for a standard window if you’re just doing a replacement. If you have experience with window replacement and installation, you could save between $200 and $400 on labor by tackling the project yourself.
However, windows are one of the first lines of defense against the elements, and the risk of leaks, water damage, and related issues in your home increases if you make any mistakes. We strongly recommend you leave the work to a local window professional. They’re more likely to get the job done correctly, and hiring a certified installer won’t void your window warranty, while a DIY installation might, depending on the brand.
We especially recommend a professional installation if you’re opening the wall and installing a new arched window. A pro will be able to get the work done without compromising your home’s structural integrity, and, again, they’re less likely to make mistakes that could lead to significant property damage down the road.
Cost of Common Arched Window Add-Ons
Installing arched windows can get pricey, and the cost can climb even higher if you choose add-ons for your windows. The below options will cost more, but they might be worth considering, depending on your needs and the climate in your area.
Window tinting: Window tinting is often associated with automobiles, but it’s a somewhat popular add-on for home windows, particularly in sunny areas. You’ll pay between $7 and $20 per square foot you want covered, but it will help reduce interior heat in the summer and reduce the fading of furniture and flooring over time.
Tempered glass: Tempered glass is stronger than standard glass and offers more security. Expect to pay between $12 and $14 per square foot for this upgrade.
Low-emissivity (low-E) coating: You can add a low-E coating to your windows for between $300 and $1,000 per arched window. It’s expensive, but it can drastically reduce your heating and cooling bills, potentially making it worthwhile.
Arched window screens: Expect to pay between $200 and $300 for arched screens to match your window. You’ll only need this add-on if your arched windows have moveable sashes.
Muntins: Window muntins or grilles are a decorative add-on that can elevate your curb appeal and help your arched windows mesh better with the style of your home. Expect to pay between $25 and $100 per window to add decorative muntins.
Window treatment installation: Some homeowners opt to save time and money by having their window installation company tackle custom window treatment installation at the same time as the window. This can add anywhere from $50 to $5,000 to your per-window total, depending on the treatment type and the window size.
How to Save Money on Arched Window Installation Costs
Installing a single arched window can reach as high as {{nationalMaxCost}}, so many homeowners will search for ways to save money on the project wherever possible. There are a few things you can do to help keep costs down:
Do a DIY replacement. If you’re comfortable with the work, have the proper safety equipment, and have tackled window replacement by yourself before, you can save between $200 and $400 per window by doing the work yourself.
Opt for the same size and shape window for a replacement. Enlarging windows or changing the size or shape of the wall opening will always be more expensive than replacing your windows with the same size and shape. Go with identical window dimensions when buying a new window to save on the cost of framing.
Consider add-on options carefully. Add-ons like low-E coatings, window tinting, and custom window treatments will drive up your costs. To keep upfront prices low, avoid these options. However, consider long-term costs, as some can boost your home’s energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling bills, making them worthwhile over time.
Choose a more budget-friendly frame material. The type of window frame material you pick for your arched windows is a significant factor in the total cost. Choose more affordable options like aluminum and vinyl if your climate allows you to keep upfront costs low. Consider more insulating materials like fiberglass for long-term savings in more extreme climates.
Opt for double-pane glass. Single-pane glass is the most affordable but isn’t insulating enough to make the savings worthwhile over time. Triple-pane glass is overkill for most climates and is significantly more expensive. Choose double-pane glass for some upfront savings and balanced long-term performance.
Consider a retrofit window replacement. If possible, contact a local window company about doing a retrofit window replacement rather than a full-frame replacement. This will save you an average of around $300 per window, provided you don’t mind the smaller glass surface area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arched windows are about $100 more expensive than standard windows. However, that added cost can climb higher if you’re converting a standard wall opening for an arched window or creating a new wall opening. Your installer will need to add some framing around the upper curve of the window to secure it properly. Additionally, the cost of arched window materials will be a little higher because more work goes into the manufacturing process.
Yes. Arched windows first became popular in the late 1800s and have remained a timeless architectural feature. You’ll often find them on higher-end homes and specific style homes, like Victorian and Spanish Colonial. However, you can make arched windows work with virtually any home style, depending on the window treatments and trim options you pick.
Yes, it’s possible to convert an arched window to a more standard shape. In most cases, the process just involves removing the additional framing that was installed to sit against the curved top of the window. Aside from this added framing, the wall opening is typically exactly as it would be for a rectangular window. We do recommend having a professional do the work, though, as you’ll need to tackle some drywall and siding repairs to make the switch as seamless as possible.