How Much Do Wooden Sash Windows Cost in 2026?

How Much Do Wooden Sash Windows Cost?

As mentioned earlier, timber is one of the most expensive materials. Wooden sash windows can cost anywhere from £1190 to £1848, depending on whether they’re single-hung or double-hung. 

In a single-hung sash window, the top sash is fixed while the bottom one slides open. With double hung, both sashes can be moved. This extra versatility makes double-hung sash windows more expensive by 20-40%. You should also expect to pay around 40-60% of the total costs for installation.

In the table below, you’ll find the price range of wooden sash windows and their counterparts made of other materials.

Material	Single Hung	Double Hung
Wood/ Timber	£1190 –  £1540	£1428 –  £1848
uPVC	£500-  £700	£750 –  £1050
Composite	£763 –  £1150	£975 –  £1365
Aluminium	£742 –  £1000	£1170 – £1500

Wooden sash windows, with their heritage feel, make a perfect choice for those who need to retain the architectural style of period properties or add a timeless charm to their homes. However, beyond the classic aesthetics, wooden sash windows have a lot more to offer.

What are Wooden Sash Windows?

Wooden sash windows are a common window type often seen in period properties from the 18th and 19th centuries. However, this is also a popular choice for those looking to achieve a classic look in their homes.

Sash windows are composed of two panels, usually with one fixed in place and the other movable. However, some sash windows have two movable panels.

They may slide vertically or horizontally, or sometimes slide and tilt. Because sash windows don’t swing out onto pathways and don’t take up a lot of space, they are ideal for homes in cities or town centers. 

The frames of wooden sash windows are made of either softwood or hardwood. Softwood is much cheaper and more versatile, but it is only available in a painted finish. On the other hand, hardwood is more expensive, but it is more durable, weather resistant, and can be painted or stained.

Regardless of which one you choose, remember that wood is still one of the most expensive materials.

Types of Wooden Sash Windows

If you’re sold on the idea of installing wooden sash windows, here are the three different types that you can choose from based on their opening mechanism:

Traditional Box Sash Windows

Box sash windows are the traditional style that you usually see in older homes or historical buildings. This type is composed of two overlapping sliders with a discrete weight and pulley system on either side of the window. This mechanism ensures that the lower and upper sashes are balanced and can open smoothly.

Spring Sash Windows

Compared to box sash windows, this type is more modern and involves strong tensioned springs for the opening mechanism. They are much slimmer and last longer, but they don’t have the same historic charm as the classic box sash windows.

Tilt and Slide Sash Windows

As the name suggests, the sashes can glide up and down, but the difference is that you can tilt the top of each sash inward at a 50-degree angle. Generally, this type is perfect for upstairs windows or on high floor levels, as it allows for safe and easy cleaning of the outer panes.

Why Choose Wooden Sash Windows

Even though wooden sash windows may cost a bit more, many homeowners still find them appealing. And that’s because they bring some great advantages to your home.

Classic Charm

If you live in a listed building or conservation area, wooden sash windows can play a crucial role in retaining the original look of the property and preserving its value. However, this doesn’t mean this window type doesn’t have a place in newer homes. 

Those who are into classic styles can also turn to wooden sash windows to add character and charm to their home. The beauty of using wooden windows is that they can be painted, stained, or carved to suit your personal style.

Environmentally Friendly

Wooden sash windows are the most environmentally friendly material, with their low carbon footprint and being recyclable. Thanks to advancements in technology, modern wooden sash windows also feature double glazing, which contributes to energy efficiency.

With their large frames, you can get double glazing with 14-16mm gaps between glass panes. This large gap offers high thermal resistance, leading to heating and cooling cost savings. Besides double glazing, double-hung windows also feature weather strips to prevent heat loss around the second moving pane.

Natural Insulation

The high thermal resistance of the wood makes it an excellent natural insulator according to research. Modern double-glazed wooden sash windows take this further by combining traditional materials with advanced technology to maximize heat retention. By reducing heat loss and condensation effectively, they can keep your house cozy, especially during the cold winter months.

Structural Integrity

The strong natural fibers of wood can offer exceptional structural integrity and withstand the UK’s ever-changing weather conditions. When built and maintained properly, wooden sash windows can last long.

Ease of Maintenance

Because of its design, it’s easy to clean both sides of the pane from the inside of your home. It’s highly convenient, especially if you’re living in a multi-story building.

How long do wooden windows last?

A research on Heriot Watt University proposes that wooden windows can last two to three times longer than their uPVC or aluminum counterparts. uPVC windows need to be replaced after about 20 to 30 years, while wooden windows can last for 56 to 65 years or longer, depending on how you maintain them.

Cleaning kits, paints, varnishes, and stains are available on the market to help you keep them in top shape. You might not even need any touch-ups or repairs for up to 10 years, depending on environmental factors and the quality of the window and its installation.

Are They Worth It?

Of course, before you jump into buying anything, you have to think: is it really worth it? Well, that all comes down to what you care about most, what you need, and what you’re thinking for the long haul.

If you’re after the traditional aesthetic, ease of maintenance, and environmental friendliness, wooden sash windows are worth it.

Although the upfront cost may be higher, wooden sash windows are a good long-term investment because they are durable enough to last decades longer than those made of other materials. Essentially, installing wooden sash windows is not just about curb appeal; it is also about longevity and energy efficiency, which contribute to a property’s overall value.