Steel windows cost an average of $950 each, but the size influences the price dramatically, with large windows costing upwards of $4,000.
If you’re thinking of replacing your windows—or you’re building a new home and want a durable, modern-looking window, steel windows are a solid choice. However, steel windows are often custom-built and can reach a higher price point than other window materials with an average cost of $950. If you’re debating whether steel windows are right for your home, take a look at these cost factors as you plan for the project and vet contractors to do the work.
If you decide steel windows are the way to go, consider these cost factors as you budget for the installation.
A steel window costs $950 on average to purchase, plus you’ll pay $150 to $800 per window for labor. That means installing eight new windows in your house would cost around $8,800 to $14,000.
The three most common types of window glass are insulated, double-glazed, and tempered glasses. Insulated and tempered glass fall into the $10 to $15 per square foot range, while double-glazed is much more affordable at around $3 to $6 per square foot.
| Type of Glass | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulated glass | $10–$15 per square foot |
| Tempered glass | $10–$15 per square foot |
| Double-glazed glass | $3–$6 per square foot |
There are many options for making your window energy efficient, from special coatings to weatherstripping. This type of upgrade also has the potential to save you money in the long run by shaving off dollars on your energy bill. Common add-ons include:
Low-E coatings
Tinting
Laminate
Weatherstripping
You’ll save the most money if you pick a standard style and size window. But if you want to include other window styles (like a large bay window) or even custom shapes, expect those windows to cost 50% or more than the average. The most common type of window is a double- or single-hung style.
| Window Design | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Double-hung | $350–$1,000 |
| Single-hung | $200–$600 |
| Bay | $950–$7,500 |
| Bow | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Skylight | $400–$1,900 |
Opting for a single, double, or triple-pane window can increase the cost of your window project. While single pane is the least expensive, it’s also the least energy efficient. Even if you can’t afford triple-pane windows, investing in double-pane windows will still improve energy efficiency.
Your pro will likely have some standard steel window frame colors to choose from, including basic colors like black, bronze, white, and silver. But if you have another vision that requires creating a custom color, be prepared to pay extra for painting.
In general, a single window runs from $100 to $1,300 for standard sizes and materials. However, at $400 to $1,500 each, steel windows often cost more than other materials like vinyl, aluminum, or wood.
Steel window prices also go up based on a window’s size, as larger windows cost more. And most steel windows are custom-built, so it’s best to inquire with a few different window companies for quotes before you settle on a specific budget.
You also will probably want to prepare to replace more than one window at a time to save money in the long run unless you have a specific problem with just one window, such as a crack or breakage.
Steel windows follow similar sizes to any other window material. Below is a sizing breakdown and some common average costs. This is for a standard-style window (double-hung) with no additional features added. You can take your own measurements for replacement windows as well to get a more accurate quote from your pro.
| Steel Window Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (44 inches tall or less) | $400 - $600 |
| Medium (52 - 62 inches tall) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Large (72 inches tall or greater) | $1,800 - $4,000+ |
Much like any critical aspect of a home, there are some ongoing costs with steel windows you’ll want to consider before adding them to your home.
Over time, steel windows are vulnerable to wear and tear—much like any part of your home. That being said, repairs are often not needed more than every ten years or so.
Maintaining steel windows involves washing them with a non-harsh brush or sponge and cleaning solution. Additionally, they may require recoating approximately every five years. Maintenance costs shouldn’t drain your wallet too badly, but they’re worth noting when budgeting for your steel windows.
The cost of labor to install a steel window ranges between $150 to $800 per window or about $30 to $50 per hour. However, this is a job to leave to the professionals. Windows are a crucial part of a home to install correctly, and doing it yourself could lead to costly errors and long-term loss in energy efficiency.
To find a reputable window installer near you, check reviews online, compare vendors, and ask family and friends for referrals they trust.
Depending on your aesthetic preferences or penchant for energy efficiency, these are some common elements you can add to steel windows.
Low-E coatings: Low-E coatings are transparent coatings you can add to windows that promote energy efficiency by regulating the solar radiation passing through your windows. It costs between $300 to $900 per window.
Tinting: Tinting is a thin, laminate film added to windows to darken the glass to be more energy efficient. Tinting costs between $30 and $200 per window on average.
Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping can be made of felt, vinyl, rubber, or foam and is used to seal air leaks around windows. It costs from $130 to $430 on average to add to your windows.
If you’re looking to cut down on the total cost of steel window installation, you could consider a DIY approach to save on labor fees. That being said, you should make sure you have the proper knowledge and tools to do so safely. Additionally, opting for a standard window style and size will cut down on your total costs.
Leah Lopez Cardenas contributed to this piece.
Factors like extreme weather conditions and moisture can impact the life of a window, but in average conditions, a steel window can last as long as 80 years or more. You can restore old steel windows, though, and prevent wear and tear with regular maintenance.
Steel windows are manufactured in a wide variety of colors to match your house and decor. This goes beyond standard metallic colors and includes white, brown, black, yellow, green, red, and blue–basically any color you want. When you call to order your windows, ask the window company what shades they offer.
Steel windows are durable and last a long time, but not in all weather conditions. If you live near the ocean, these windows might not be the best choice, as the saltwater breeze can corrode the metal. Steel windows are also more expensive than other types of windows. However, with that high price point comes a sleek, distinctive design that many homeowners find appealing.
Pros:
Durable
Long-lasting
Modern, sleek design
Many color choices available
Cons:
Not suitable for coastal homes
Risk of corrosion
Higher price point
