7 Types of Window Frames (2024 Homeowner’s Guide) - Today's Homeowner (2024)

Choosing the best window frames for your home can be a daunting task. When selecting frames, you’ll need to consider the overall cost, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and more.

This guide on the seven types of window frames, complete with an in-depth breakdown of their features (including moisture resistance, weather resistance, energy efficiency, and cost), will help you find the right window frames for your home without overspending.

*Costs in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Fixr and Angi.

What are Window Frames?

A window frame is the structure that surrounds and supports a window pane. They can affect the aesthetics of the home and the window’s overall energy efficiency, while also providing protection from the elements. Window frames require weather-stripping, drainage systems, and sealants to keep out rain, drafts, and snow. They come with in a variety of different types, colors, and styles, so you can find the best window frame for your home’s design and budget.

What Are the Different Types of Window Frames?

Each type of window frame comes with its pros and cons, different price points, and unique features. This breakdown of the seven top window frame types can help you assess which is best for your home.

*These average costs are only rough estimates of standard window materials; these figures are meant to provide a starting point for budgeting window costs, which vary significantly and depend on a variety of factors. Learn more about our Cost Analysis Methodology here.

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl window frames are one of the most affordable types of window frames. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), they offer good insulative properties. Many homeowners prefer vinyl window frames because they can customize and paint them to fit with their home’s aesthetic.

View our list of Top Vinyl Windows.

Where To Use Vinyl Window Frames

You can use vinyl window frames just about anywhere. However, many homeowners prefer installing them on their doors because they’re durable and offer excellent insulation.

Vinyl Window Costs

Vinyl frames typically cost between $100 and $900 per window, making this one of the most affordable options for homeowners needing new windows. However, some types of vinyl windows can cost up to $4,500.

Wood Window Frames

Wood window frames are timeless and classically beautiful, making them one of the most desired window frame choices for homeowners. However, they require a lot of maintenance, including refinishing, adding sealants, and regularly checking for pest infestations.

Despite these cons, many homeowners still opt for wooden window frames because of their charming look. The option to enhance the wood’s appearance with paint or stains is a bonus as well.

Where To Use Wooden Frames

Wooden frames are weather-resistant and provide good insulation, making them an excellent choice for exterior windows.

Wood Window Frame Costs

On average, wood window frames cost between $150 and $2,650 per window.

Aluminum Window Frames

Aluminum frames give the home a modern style while providing plenty of support for larger windows. They have a subtle, lightweight look that many homeowners enjoy. Just know that your energy bills may go up if you switch from a more energy-efficient window frame to aluminum, which naturally conducts cold and hot temperatures.

Where to Use Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frames are ideal for homes with larger windows because they provide ample support for heavy sheets of glass and can be customizable. These window frames are also ideal in mild or warm climates.

Aluminum Window Frame Costs

Aluminum window frames cost between $200 and $1,200 per window, making them a more cost-effective choice compared to options like steel or wood.

Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass window frames are made from a mixture of resin, glass fibers, and additives, resulting in a strong frame that won’t expand or contract. As a result, fiberglass is a highly energy-efficient choice and one of the strongest materials available for frames.

Where To Use Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass frames are moisture-resistant, making them ideal for homes in stormy, rainy areas. They’re also thinner than other window frame types, which can make them an excellent choice for windows with thick glass .

Fiberglass Frame Costs

On average, fiberglass frames cost between $200 and $2,500, putting them in the middle to high price point range for window frame replacement.

Read about the cost of hurricane windows, a heavy duty window that uses fiberglass in as a frame.

Wood-clad Window Frames

A wood-clad window frame is a popular and desirable option for homeowners looking for a classic style and durability. These wooden frames are clad or covered in a tougher material on the exterior, such as aluminum or vinyl, allowing you to enjoy the look of natural wood with little maintenance.

Where To Use Wood-Clad Window Frames

Wood-clad window frames are best for high-traffic areas, like living rooms or bedrooms. This allows you to enjoy the beautiful look of the wood as much as possible.

Wood-Clad Window Frame Costs

Typically, wood-clad window frames cost between $250 and $2,000.

Looking for more details on prices? Read our cost guide on wood replacement windows.

Composite Window Frames

These window frames are made from a combination of recycled materials, including plastics, metals, and wood. They’re long-lasting, rot-resistant, and excellent insulators, which may lower your energy bills over time.

Where To Use Composite Window Frames

Composite window frames are ideal for homes in wet climates because they’re rot-resistant. They’re also durable and provide reliable insulation, making them suitable for areas with extreme temperatures.

Composite Frame Costs

Composite frames cost between $300 and $1,200 on average.

Steel Window Frames

If you enjoy an industrial, modern look, steel window frames are an excellent choice. They’re difficult to break, durable, and fire-resistant, making them a safety-conscious choice for a home. Steel window frames are often custom-built, so they require a higher upfront cost. However, you’re likely to get your money’s worth as these types of window frames can last more than 75 years.

Where To Use Steel Window Frames

Steel window frames are a good choice for any windows that need reinforcement. For example, a steel frame would be an excellent option if you’ve previously had a break-in or are worried about someone entering the home through an easy-to-access window.

Steel Frame Costs

On average, steel window frames cost between $400 and $1,500 per window. However, some can cost up to $5,400.

How Can You Select the Right Window Frame For Your Home?

Before you select a window frame material, it’s important to consider many different factors. First, will you be replacing one window or several? If you’re replacing just one, you’ll likely want it to match your existing windows and décor, so this could influence your decision. If you’re replacing several, you might want to take this opportunity to go with a new design or material.

To select the right window frames for your home, you should think about:

• The right material for your climate. Fiberglass, wood, wood-clad, and vinyl are excellent choices for sunny climates. Wood-clad, fiberglass, and vinyl are great selections for areas with cold weather or snow.
• Maintenance requirements. All window frames require care, but certain types can require maintenance more often. Steel, for example, is more prone to corrosion, while wood-class is low-maintenance compared to traditional wood frames.
• Budget. Window frames range in price between $100 to $5,400 depending on the location of the window, the size, and the material. Many window companies offer payment plans to help make this purchase more affordable.

What Type of Window Frames Are Best for Energy Efficiency?

Some of the best options for energy-efficient window frames are vinyl and wood. However, fiberglass window frames are the most dimensionally stable, as they contain air cavities filled with insulation to increase their energy efficiency even more. They also don’t expand or contract, so they won’t warp and create an air leak.

How Do You Measure a Window Frame for Replacement?

Start by measuring the width of the window’s base by extending your tape horizontally. For casem*nt windows, open your tape vertically to measure the height from header to cell. Measure the width and height measurements of each window you plan to replace to get a rough estimate of how much it’ll cost to purchase the window frame.

Are Full Frame Window Replacements Worth It?

Replacing your old windows is usually a significant investment. However, the return value of improved insulation, higher curb appeal, and reduced energy bills make this a wise long-term investment. You may save anywhere from 7% to 15% on your annual household energy bills. Start looking at your favorite window frame options at reputable window companies like Champion, Renewal by Andersen, and Window World to collect further cost information.

Ready to buy your new window frames? Get a free estimate from one of the industry’s best window providers below.