How Much Does a Garden Window Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,200 - $3,650
Installing a new garden window costs $2,500 on average, or between $1,200 and $3,650, depending on the size and scope of the project.
If you want to install a garden window to add extra light or grow plants on your window sill, you can expect to pay around $2,500, with costs commonly ranging from $1,200 to $3,650 or more. Factors like size, material, and customization can affect your garden window cost, so consider these aspects when planning your project.
- Average
- $2,500
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $6,000
Garden Window Cost Factors
Garden windows are small but have deep window sills. Despite the small size, you’ll want to factor in labor costs, as these windows can be tricky to install. Improper installation could lead to issues with condensation or drafts, so you should ensure you hire a qualified pro for the task.
Frame Material
The type of frame material you use can have an effect on the overall installation cost. We’ll get more into the benefits and drawbacks of each material further below.
| Frame Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $900-$2,600 |
| Vinyl | $1,000-$3,100 |
| Fiberglass | $1,100-$3,200 |
| Wood | $1,200–$3,800 |
Size
Most garden windows are on the smaller side, and a typical 24-by-24-inch garden window costs about $800 on average. These windows can also be made much larger, and you could spend $3,000 to over $6,000 on a 60-inch-by-72-inch garden window. Explore the cost of a garden window by the most common window sizes they come in.
| Size (in.) | Cost Range* |
|---|---|
| 24 by 24 | $400–$1,300 |
| 24 by 30 | $500–$1,400 |
| 30 by 30 | $700–$1,500 |
| 36 by 36 | $875–$1,500 |
| 36 by 46 | $900–$1,600 |
| 40 by 46 | $1,000–$2,600 |
| 48 by 48 | $1,050–$3,200 |
| 60 by 72 | $2,000–$6,000 |
*Materials only
Window Pane Type
Garden windows may come with double or triple panes or special coatings for more energy-efficient windows and better UV protection. These differences in panes can all increase the cost over and above the price of a standard single-pane garden window.
Double-pane garden windows range from $900 to $2,500 and offer more efficiency and soundproofing.
Triple-pane garden windows cost $1,500 to $3,300 and offer even more energy-efficient and soundproofing benefits than the double-pane models.
Low-E-coated windows cost $1,000 to $2,700 each and can reflect heat, infrared light, and UV light.
Garden windows filled with argon gas cost $1,300 to $3,200. This gas is filled between double- or triple-pane windows for better insulation.
Window Brand
The type of brand you choose can also drastically affect the cost of your garden windows.
| Window Brand | Average Cost | Warranty Length |
|---|---|---|
| ThermaStar by Pella | $500 | 10-20 years |
| Jeld-Wen | $600 | 10-20 years |
| Andersen | $700 | 10-20 years |
| Harvey | $600 | 20 years-lifetime |
| Milgard | $1,000 | Lifetime |
Customizations
If you decide to get custom windows, you’ll almost certainly pay more than you would for standard windows. Prices can get up to $4,000 per window for customized garden windows.
Labor
Hiring a window installation professional will add about 20% to 35% of material costs to the overall garden window installation cost. This usually amounts to around $300 to $1,500 per window, although labor costs will be higher for installing larger garden windows or windows in areas that are harder to access.
Prep
If you don’t already have a rough opening ready from a previous window, then you’ll spend about 50% more on the cost of creating a new window opening. Enlarging an existing window costs about $2,000 to $3,000 if you’re planning to replace an existing window with a larger garden window.
Fixed vs. Operable Window
You can choose a garden window that’s either operable or fixed. In other words, your window will either have the ability to slide or tilt open whenever you want, or it will be permanently shut. Operable windows offer more ventilation capabilities, but they do come at an increased cost.
| Window Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fixed | $600–$1,000 |
| Operable | $900–$2,000 |
Garden Window Cost by Material
Garden windows cost about $900 to $4,000 for materials and installation, depending on the type of frame. Wood and fiberglass tend to cost the most upfront but offer excellent durability and insulation. Vinyl is a lower-cost option that’s easy to care for, and aluminum tends to be the least expensive but is less energy-efficient than other materials.
Wood
Garden windows made from wood cost around $1,200 to $3,800. Wood gives garden windows a charming look, but it also requires a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to refinish the frame with paint or sealant every few years to help protect against rot and warping.
Vinyl
Vinyl garden windows, which cost $1,000 to $3,100 each, are a popular option, as this material is easy to care for and offers decent insulation compared to other materials, like aluminum. The one thing to keep in mind with vinyl is that the material is sensitive to extreme weather. It can warp in extremely hot or cold temperatures, and this can cause gaps around the frame, leading to drafts.
Aluminum
Installing aluminum garden windows costs about $900 to $2,600 per window. Aluminum is rust-resistant, making it a better choice than other metals for framing a window. This material is lightweight and easy to install, but it offers the least insulation and protection against the elements. Aluminum garden windows are best reserved for places with mild temperatures year-round.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garden windows cost $1,100 to $3,200 each to install. This frame material has a higher upfront cost than some other materials, but it is highly durable. Fiberglass windows can last over 50 years, and unlike some other materials, they don’t need refinishing. They’re also less prone to warping than wood or vinyl.
Ongoing Costs of Garden Windows
Once your pro has installed your garden window, there are some additional ongoing maintenance and repair costs you need to remember. Windows need proper care over the years. If they don’t receive the proper care, your windows can warp, crack, or rot, leading to costly drafts, water damage, and the need to replace the windows a lot sooner.
Repairs
Window repairs cost about $175 to $650 per window. This could involve repairing a cracked pane, fixing the seal, replacing a latch, or repairing a foggy window. Because garden windows may have multiple panels, fixing the glass panes may cost more depending on the size of the window.
Refinishing
While many garden materials don’t need to be painted or refinished, wood window frames do require some extra TLC. To keep wood from being damaged by moisture, extreme temperatures, or pests, you’ll need to spend about $600 to $1,400 every few years for materials and labor to stain, seal, or paint the frame. Staining and sealing are simple projects, however, and you’d likely save a few hundred by DIYing.
Maintenance
Aside from the extra refinishing that wood windows require, many windows are easy to maintain. You’ll need to do an in-depth clean of the window, including the tracks, panes, and screens, at least yearly. Dusting on a weekly basis is really beneficial for your windows, too. If you’d rather let someone else take on the task, professional window cleaning costs about $150 to $300.
Additionally, your window maintenance checklist should include lubricating the tracks, checking for damage on the panes or frame, and caulking the window for better energy efficiency and insulation.
How Much Do Garden Windows Cost to Install Yourself?
Installing a garden window yourself costs about $600 to $2,000 for the window, plus around $300 for other tools and materials, such as exterior plywood, a drill, a jigsaw, a screwdriver, and molding. All in all, going the DIY route could potentially save you over $800 in labor costs per window. However, this isn’t an easy task, even for more experienced DIYers.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a garden window can take at least a couple of days when you DIY. But it will take longer if you’re creating a new opening in a wall or trying to enlarge an existing opening for the garden window. If anything goes wrong, your window will not seal properly, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage from inclement weather and leading to pricey utility bills from a drafty window.
Any small misstep in a DIY window installation can quickly end up costing you way more than you would have paid if you hired a pro to do it in the first place. For these reasons, we don’t recommend anyone without extensive window installation experience install their own garden window.
Hiring a window company near you is the best option for installing a garden window. This can add about $300 to $1,500 in labor costs, but a pro will install the window correctly, saving your wallet from costly electric bills, weather damage, and other potential wallet-draining problems. Plus, the pros can have your garden window installed in about a day—much quicker than if you tried to install the window yourself.
Cost of Common Garden Window Add-Ons
When you’re installing a garden window, there are some additional projects you may consider tackling at the same time. Some common window add-ons and their typical price ranges include:
Window tinting cost: $320–$925
Custom window treatments cost: $150–$1,650
Blinds installation cost: $200–$1,350
Weatherstripping cost: $130–$430
Window caulk cost: $50–$70
Window AC unit installation cost: $140–$525
4 Ways You Can Save Money on Garden Window Costs
Because garden windows generally cost more to install than a standard double-hung or picture window, you may be looking for tips to help you save on installation costs. Luckily, there are several ways to get the garden window of your dreams without blowing your budget.
Replace an Existing Window
Installing a new window where there is no existing opening can be expensive, as your contractor will need to cut through the wall and then repair the drywall, exterior walls, and interior walls once they've installed the window. If you have an existing window that you can replace with a similarly-sized garden window, you’ll save money on installation costs.
Consider the Material
Each window material has its pros and cons, and you should consider long-term costs rather than just the cost at the store. While aluminum is one of the least expensive materials, it may not be suitable if you live in an area with exceptionally frigid winters. It could cause you to pay more on utilities each month, and you may need to pay to replace the frame sooner.
Instead, consider the life span of each material and which material works best for your climate. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance costs as well; wood tends to require more maintenance than other materials.
Go Smaller
Smaller garden windows cost less than larger versions. Because they have glass panels on all sides, they bring in an impressive amount of light and views compared to a standard window, so you won’t necessarily need a big garden window to reap its benefits.
Schedule a Winter Installation
Window installation companies are often busier during warmer months, so you may be able to score deals and discounts if you schedule a winter installation. Be sure to call around for at least three different quotes to find the best window replacement company near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A garden window is about 16 inches to 24 inches deep. This extra space makes room for small potted plants, which is how the garden window, also called a greenhouse window, got its name. Because garden windows jut outward from the house, they need to be installed in a place where they won’t obstruct walkways.
Whether or not you need permission to change the windows in your house depends on your local laws. If you’re enlarging an opening or installing a new window and need to make structural changes to the house, you’ll need a permit. In most locations, you won’t need permission if you’re just replacing a window with another window of the same size. The window installation company you work with will be able to help you navigate any planning permits you may need.
Garden windows last about 15 to 30 years, depending on the materials, ongoing maintenance, and local climate. Fiberglass and wood windows tend to have the longest life spans as long as you keep up with cleaning, lubricating, and refinishing them. Make sure to inspect your windows about once a year for signs of trouble, like worn-out seals, frame damage, or cracks in the panes.