Picture Windows Cost in 2023

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What do picture windows cost in 2023? There are lots of variables that will affect the price of a picture window, but we'll do our best to break down some of the most important price factors. Most window manufacturers price out their products by the lineal foot or square foot. To find the square footage of a window opening, measure the width and height and multiply these two numbers together. Then divide by 144 - this is the square footage. (Test this out - a 36" by 36" window is equal to 3 x 3 or 9 square feet.)

Picture windows are also called fixed frame windows. They don't open like a casement or double hung window. They will typically run 25% less than these movable window styles. Often, the terms fixed and picture windows are used interchangeably, although picture window is the term most often used to describe a large showcase type of window, which we will provide price examples for below.

Written By John M. - Site Editor - Updated In October, 2023

Vinyl Picture Window Prices

On average, picture vinyl windows prices will run $300 to $900 fully installed. This means a 24" by 36" vinyl window (which is a decent sized window and equal to 6 square feet) will run $300 to $600 fully installed.

The top 5 factors that affect whether you pay at the bottom or the top of this price range will include a whole host of factors. These include the window manufacturer, the type of glass package you select, the style of window you choose, the components and hardware, as well as the installation requirements.

As a rule of thumb, the installation of replacement windows will account for 35% of the project, while the window itself will account for the remaining 65%.

"Collecting multiple bids on your project is by far the best way to insure you receive the most competitive picture window costs for your home. Four bids keeps local window companies honest in the price quote they provide -- especially when you tell them upfront that you are collecting four bids before you make your decision of which company to hire to do the work."

Wood Clad Picture Windows Cost

Wood clad picture windows are going to be the most expensive option on the market and might run $1500 to $2000 fully installed. Obviously, how large the fixed frame window is will be a huge determinant of price.

Again, the top 5 factors that affect whether you pay at the low or high end of window costs per square foot price include manufacturer, type of glass, number of features, components and hardware, as well as type of installation.

Fiberglass Picture Windows Cost

Fiberglass, aluminum and composite picture windows will run more in that $1000 to $1500 fully installed. A 32" by 48" window (which is equal to 10.6 square feet) will run $1000 to $1400 fully installed.

These three window frame materials make up the middle of the road price point -- 30% to 35% more expensive than vinyl, but 30% less than wood clad options. While I've grouped these three materials together, the window brand and quality of the window series itself is going to dictate the specific product cost. One not here: aluminum windows are not widely used in residential home window projects due to their poor energy efficiency ratings. They are, however, very strong and make sense in very hot climates such as southern Texas.

Showcase Picture Windows Cost

Picture windows are often large, very visible windows that can be quite expensive, but also add significant visual interest to a home. The installation on these large windows can be very expensive as it will take a team of 2 to 3 installers to remove the existing window(s), clean and then install the new picture window.

6' by 6' Vinyl Window: $1,800 to $2,880 fully installed
60" by 80" Fiberglass Window: $2,500 to $3,300 fully installed
72" by 96" Wood Window: $2,880 to $4,320 fully installed

Picture Window Advantages

Picture windows have one very big advantage compared to movable window styles; they are the most energy efficient windows you can buy. They have no moving parts, which means less wear and tear on the seals, hardware and glazing components. Assuming thorough and proper installation, a quality picture window should last for a longer period of time than movable windows and provide very solid energy efficiency for your home and help with your heating and cooling bills for decades to come.

Picture Window Disadvantages

Picture windows have one very big disadvantage; they cannot open or close. This means they provide no natural ventilation that is a huge plus for single hungs, casements, awning windows, etc. Of course, there are certain locations in a home that don't warrant this option. As well, larger showcase windows that use a single large pane of glass should never open anyway. It is certainly important for homeowners to weigh the pros and cons of picture windows before purchasing them.

Importance Of Low-E Glass

The glass you choose will play a big role in how much light enters your home, the amount of UV rays that enter (this can affect furniture fading etc.), and how energy efficient your window are. Clear glass is the cheapest and least effective option. A low-e glass has a coating over the outside and often the inside that can blocks out certain light rays and provide significant improvement in terms of the overall energy efficiency of you window.

Past Picture Windows Cost Bids

VistaMark Endura
24 Fixed Frame And Horizontal Sliders
Cost Bid: $17K
Sizes: Varied
Location: Austin Texas
Year: 2023

Marvin Essential Picture Window

Marvin Essential Series
Size: 96" by 72"
Price: $2230
Cost Bid Did Not Include Installation
Location: Dallas Texas
Year: 2021