How much do wooden Sash Windows Cost?

Other Considerations Impacting Your Sash Window Cost

There are countless design, style, size, and glazing choices, so we'll explore some of those options here to give you further context about what you should expect to pay.

As we've seen, one timber sash window costs from £1,300, including double-glazing, so the average budget for a home with, say, seven windows will be £10,000 - £12,000 to replace all of the glazing and frames at once.

The benefit is that you usually receive economies of scale if you replace several windows simultaneously since waste disposal or scaffolding charges will be relatively stable.

Choosing a Timber Sash Window Style

Sash windows have a classic mechanism, but there are multiple ways to structure this type of glazing:

• Georgian sashes have six smaller glass panels on every window. Although the glazing is one sheet of double-glazing, the bars across the pane create the appearance of six separate pieces of glass.
• Edwardian properties typically have six panels at the top of the window and two larger panels on the bottom half of the sash window.
• Victorian sash windows are usually two over two panes on each half of the window.

The difference between a traditional sash and a modern alternative is the run-through horns, which are mouldings older windows use to stop pulley wheels from being damaged at each end of the window.

New windows don't require this feature, but if you want an authentic replica of an antique sash window, the costs will inevitably be a little higher.

Wooden Sash Window Sizes

Standard window sizes are always cheaper to replace because the fitter can order a pre-measured frame or build a unit with widely available industry sizes.

Larger or unusual window sizes and shapes cost more to replace since the frame will have to be custom made to fit the dimensions of your property.

Size is also a direct cost factor. For example, if you have a sash window 60 cm x 90 cm and want to replace it with a new frame and glazing, the average £1,300 cost applies.

However, if you have a broader window opening and would like a new wooden sash window with double-glazing to fit 120 cm x 120 cm, the cost will be closer to £1,600 owing to the extra raw materials required.

Common Timber Used in Double-Glazing Sash Windows

Most modern sash windows are made from Accoya - a long-life wood modified during manufacture. This process makes it very resistant to rot and able to withstand the elements for decades.

Hence, the durability of new timbers far outperforms older wood, which usually needs to be treated or stained annually to prevent dampness and mould.

Other types of timbers you could opt for include:

• Douglas Fir is cheaper than hardwood with a pale, red-brown colour.
• European Redwood is another softwood, yellow/cream in tone.
• Red Cedar softwood has the advantage of preventing warping.
• Mahogany is a quality hardwood, which stains nicely and is a deeper reddish-brown.
• Oak is a beautiful but expensive hardwood, as it grows very slowly and is in high demand.
• Meranti wood is hardwood, used for its straight grain and soft yellow colour.

Timbers such as mahogany and oak are more expensive but may last longer than softwood, depending on how the frame is treated and the finish you are looking for.

Homeowners on a limited budget can also choose composite frames, which blend timbers with other materials (usually UPVC) as a more cost-effective compromise.

Another potential solution if you'd like an oak window, but find the costs too high, is using a UPVC window frame treated with a timber effect, although nothing looks quite the same as genuine timber!

Accessory Costs in Buying Sash Windows

The final cost element is the accessories you choose - along with different grades of glazing and types of timber frames, you'll need to pick locks, fasteners and lifts for your new sash windows.

Locks tend to start from £2, with an average of £12 - the better the quality of your locks, the more secure your windows, so it's best to use a higher performance lock for windows on the ground floor.

Sash lifts come in various materials - chrome is the cheapest, whereas classic brass or bronze will be more costly, but perhaps more in keeping with the period of your home.

Window stops can cost from £12 as an average, but your fitter will recommend the right limit stops depending on the location, size and security requirements of your new sash windows.

Benefits of Double-Glazed Timber Sash Windows

Sash windows are used extensively in graceful period properties, and the warmth of timber can look incredible in any home.

There are multiple benefits to combining the classic sash window style with advanced double-glazing:

• Energy efficiency - double-glazing is an excellent insulator and can remarkably impact the cost of heating your home.
• Condensation control - dampness and rot are common issues in older properties and are often attributed to single glazing. Quality sash windows with double-glazing reduce excessive condensation, with the warmth of the inner panel preventing moisture.
• Sound control - noise pollution can be a nuisance, and a double-glazing upgrade can cut out external noise by as much as 60%.
• Security - double-glazed windows are far safer than single glazing, as they are extremely difficult to break. Double-glazing is robust, and a toughened or laminated glass with commercial-grade locks adds a further layer of security.
• Improving the value of your home - buyers often look at energy performance ratings and the warranties on features to determine how much they might need to invest in bringing a property up to spec. Double-glazed windows can add considerable value.

Balancing the charm of sash windows with the security and efficiency of double-glazing is a great way to refresh and enhance your home without losing the authenticity that a traditional sash adds to a period property.

Double-glazing typically comes with a 20-year guarantee, improving energy efficiency and security while requiring relatively little maintenance to keep the timber frames in excellent condition for the years to come.

This video shows you some different types of wooden double glazed sash windows and how they might look in your home: