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Which Window Frame is Best For You?

What do you most want your new window frame to do?

Would you say your home's exterior is...

Tell us about your climate

Does your area regularly experience weather events like wildfires, hurricanes, or hail?

Here are your top matches

Click on the window frame types to see them around the window

$391-$834
$397-$846
$875-$1,865
$320-$683
$900-$1,800

Vinyl

  • Most affordable framing material
  • Energy-efficient
  • Multiple design choices
  • Last 20-40 years with proper care
Learn more

Aluminum

  • Sturdy framing material that resists weather
  • Add modern style to the home
  • Require little maintenance
  • Last 40-50 years with proper care
Learn more

Wood

  • Provide good insulation
  • Weather resistant
  • Eco-friendly
  • Last up to 10 to 20 years with proper care
Learn more

Fiberglass

  • Highly resistant to weather and heat
  • Wide variety of styles and designs
  • Very energy efficient
  • Last up to 80 years with proper care
Learn more

Composite

  • Same classic look and feel of wood windows
  • Superior durability
  • Highly weather resistant
  • Last 15 to 30 years with proper care
Learn more

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The Modernize Mission

We help homeowners make confident decisions through our reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased information and average project costs. All of our content is thoroughly reviewed and fact-checked by our team of home improvement experts. Learn more about how we maintain these values.

When you need replacement windows for your home, you should be thinking about your home’s climate, what you want your new windows to look like, and how energy-efficient you want them to be. Then, match your budget to the types of window frames that check the most boxes on your list. You can take our quiz above to get our recommendations, and then read on to learn more about why that frame type may work best for you.

Types of Window Frames

There are 5 different types of window frames materials. Just about every window brand offers them, so whatever you choose, you should be able to find them in your area. These window frame types include:

  1. Aluminum windows.
  2. Composite windows.
  3. Vinyl windows.
  4. Fiberglass windows.
  5. Wood window frames.

The window style, energy efficiency, and durability of each differ slightly. We will discuss these differences below. But first, let’s take a quick look at why window frames matter and what you should consider

Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the street

How Important is the Type of Window Frame I Choose?

Window frames are the structural backbone of a window, and a quality frame will keep a window functioning for decades rather than a few years. When you are shopping for windows, a good rule is to start by focusing on the frame type and then worry about the glass.

How to Choose a Window Frame Material

When deciding between different window frame materials, we recommend asking these questions:

  • Do I need to repair or replace my existing window frame?
  • What is the climate like in my home’s region?
  • Can the window frame provide good weather insulation for my home?
  • How much maintenance will the new windows need?
  • Do the frames go with my home’s aesthetics?

Based on your needs, your local window contractor will be able to talk you through your window frame options and help you choose the best one. In the meantime, you can explore different window frame materials and what they are best for below.

Compare Window Frame Types | Modernize

Which Types of Window Frames Are Right for My Home?

Let’s take a look at the basic info. and cost ranges for the five types of window frames. We’ve included a link to each frame material’s dedicated page so you can read more about what each offers.

  1. Aluminum windows. Known for being durable and long-lasting, aluminum window frames are low-maintenance. They are not as energy-efficient as some other frame materials. The average cost ranges from $397 to $846 per window.
  2. Composite windows. Also called “clad wood windows,” these frames are made from a combination of wood and either aluminum or vinyl, so they offer the best of two worlds. The average cost ranges from $900 to $1,800.
  3. Vinyl windows. Vinyl window frames are both the most popular and most affordable. They tend to be energy efficient. The average cost ranges from $391 to $834 per window.
  4. Fiberglass windows. This frame material is gaining in popularity due to its durability, low maintenance needs, and excellent energy-efficiency. The average cost ranges from $320 to $683 per window.
  5. Wood window frames. Though wood windows can be very durable and long-lasting, they require a lot of maintenance to keep them that way. The average cost ranges from $875 to $1,865 per window.

What Else to Consider When Choosing Window Frame Types

A bay window with a small breakfast table and two chairs

Return on Investment

When it comes to choosing new windows for your home, it is important to consider return on investment – especially if you plan to resell your home in the future.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, the window frame types that will earn you the highest return on investment this year are vinyl windows and wood windows.

Buying replacement vinyl windows for your home is expected to earn you a 67.5% return on investment, while choosing wood windows can earn you a 66.3% return on investment on average. These numbers are determined by the relative cost of the window frame compared to the value it produces for your home.

Window Warranties

It is common for a manufacturer to offer a “lifetime” warranty with their window and frame. But that warranty can mean one thing for one manufacturer and something completely different for another. It is important to read the fine print and find out the length of the window warranty, as well as which conditions the warranty covers so you know which manufacturers stand behind their products.

You Are Now a Window Frame Expert! So What’s Next?

Once you’ve got a handle on window frame types and which ones might be best for you, you have a few options for what to do next:

  1. Choose a window glass type. You can take our window glass quiz and read all about your options.
  2. Learn more about home window replacements. From our favorite brands to our buying guide, this page has it all.
  3. Get quotes on your window project. We recommend getting three to four quotes to find the best price and to find a contractor you click with.

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