Wood or Vinyl Windows: Which One Is Superior?

When evaluating wood and vinyl windows, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option to determine the most suitable choice for your residence. Both materials offer distinct benefits. Wood windows exude a timeless elegance that vinyl struggles to replicate. However, for many homeowners, the affordability of vinyl is a more appealing factor than the visual appeal of wood. Which window option is the most appropriate for your home?

Wood vs. Vinyl Windows: Essential Distinctions

• Longevity and upkeep: Vinyl can endure for up to 40 years, while wood typically lasts around 20 years. Additionally, vinyl requires no maintenance, whereas wood must be resealed every few years.
• Cost: Vinyl is more affordable than wood, with vinyl windows priced between $150 and $400 each, while wood windows range from $300 to $800 each. The wide price variation is influenced by the different styles of windows, such as casement and double-hung, as well as the various sizes available.
• Energy efficiency: Wood inherently provides better insulation compared to vinyl, leading to greater energy savings. However, opting for insulated vinyl windows, rather than those with hollow cores, can also be a smart energy-efficient option.

Substance and Fabrication

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl windows are primarily constructed from premium extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Additionally, certain metals and other plastic materials are utilized in the sash mechanism.

Timber Windows

Wooden windows typically feature a wooden interior, often made from pine or Douglas fir. The outer surfaces are usually wood that is protected by a layer of extruded aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass.

Durability

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl windows typically have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, significantly outlasting wooden windows due to their superior resistance to weathering. Nonetheless, the quality of the windows is crucial. Opting for low-cost vinyl windows that may only endure for a decade is not a wise investment.

Another aspect to take into account is the window’s exposure to sunlight and precipitation. Windows that receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day and have little to no roof overhang for protection are likely to have a reduced lifespan.

Timber Windows

Wooden windows typically last around 20 years, although this can vary based on maintenance and whether they have aluminum cladding on the outside. Unclad wood is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations and moisture, requiring regular resealing to safeguard against the elements and prevent decay.

Shades and Textures

Vinyl Window Frames

The majority of vinyl windows come in white. Historically, it has been challenging for manufacturers to produce deep, dark hues that resist fading. Colors other than white or tan are typically classified as premium options, resulting in higher prices.

Timber Windows

A significant advantage of wooden windows is that the interior frames can maintain their natural wood hue if preferred. Both the interior and exterior can be painted in any color of your choice.

Maintenance

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl replacement windows eliminate the need for painting or sealing. However, one drawback is that painting vinyl windows is more challenging compared to painting wooden ones.

Timber Windows

Windows with wooden exteriors require painting or sealing both during installation and periodically throughout their lifespan. The process of painting wooden windows is meticulous and needs to be carried out regularly. In contrast, wood windows that are clad in aluminum do not require any painting.

Energy Conservation

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl has low thermal conductivity, which is advantageous. Nevertheless, vinyl window frames are frequently designed with hollow interiors. This can allow cold air to infiltrate through these empty spaces. It’s important to choose window frames that are insulated.

Timber Windows

On chilly days, touch the surface of a wooden window frame. You’ll notice that wooden window frames are highly effective at preventing the transfer of cold or heat from the exterior. This makes wood an excellent choice for energy efficiency.

Cost

Vinyl Window Frames

According to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report, vinyl replacement windows are approximately 20% less expensive than wooden windows.

Timber Windows

Wooden windows generally come with a higher price tag. This can be attributed to various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, the aesthetic appeal they offer, and the limited number of manufacturers producing them, which makes them pricier compared to vinyl windows.

Appearance

Vinyl Window Frames

The introduction of a wider range of colors, beyond just white and tan, has made vinyl windows more visually appealing than they were before.

Timber Windows

Wooden windows are typically designed to maintain a natural or stained appearance, finished with a sealer to highlight the wood grain. Vinyl, on the other hand, cannot replicate this effect. If you prefer a solid color finish, wood can easily be painted.

Turnaround

Vinyl Window Frames

There is a wide variety of vinyl windows available from numerous manufacturers, making it easy to acquire them in a timely manner.

Timber Windows

The market share for wood windows has significantly decreased compared to vinyl, leading manufacturers and retailers to place less emphasis on them. As a result, acquiring wood windows may take longer than sourcing vinyl options.

Resale Worth

Vinyl Window Frames

Installing vinyl windows can yield approximately a 67% return on investment when you decide to sell your house.

Timber Windows

Wooden windows tend to have a resale value that is a few percentage points lower.

Which One Should You Purchase?

Vinyl windows are designed to be cost-effective and require very little upkeep. If you’re looking to cut costs on your upcoming window investment, vinyl options are tough to surpass.

Timber windows offer a perfect blend of elegance and enduring worth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your residence. For those with historic properties or homes that require sustained value, opting for wooden windows could be the ideal solution.

Vinyl Windows	Wood Windows
Materials	Plastic framed windows, except for metal used for the operating mechanism	Interior wood with exteriors covered with extruded aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass
Colors and Finishes	Mostly white, though some other colors are available	Bare wood or primed wood that can be painted any color
Maintenance	Easy to wipe down and maintain	Need regular painting on the outside unless covered with metal or plastic
Energy Efficiency	Poor to fair, especially if the frames are not insulated	Excellent; wood insulates well and is a great energy-saver
Cost	Close to 20% cheaper than wood windows	Nearly always more costly than vinyl windows
Appearance	Fair appearance, though it helps to purchase windows that coordinate with the home or surroundings	Excellent; wood windows can be painted any color
Turnaround	Excellent; vinyl windows are plentiful and are usually readily available	Might be slower to obtain than vinyl windows
Resale Value	Excellent resale value	Slightly lower resale value than vinyl windows