Sliding Glass Window Price by Size
The window’s size is the most important cost factor for sliding window 1 installation. A small sliding window price for a 24” by 24” window starts at just $110. However, a larger 48” by 48” sliding window price may reach $600. At the top end of the scale, a 96” wide window may cost up to $2,000. This chart lists common sizes and the average cost. When sizing windows, you may notice measurements like 23½” x 47½”. These are the window’s actual measurements, designed to fit into a 24” x 48” opening. Round the measurement up to see the size. It is worth noting that some manufacturers price their windows by the square foot. Expect an approximate cost of $2.45 per sq.ft. for basic windows, $3.38 for mid-range windows, and $4.67 for premium windows. The costs listed in the table below are for the glass without installation. Prices are based on the cost of the parts of a standard double-pane window, not including installation:
| Size (Width x Height) | Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| 24” x 24” | $110 - $300 |
| 24” x 36” | $160 - $425 |
| 36” x 24” | $160 - $425 |
| 48” x 36” | $200 - $550 |
| 48” x 48” | $220 - $600 |
| 60” x 48” | $260 - $770 |
| 84” x 48” | $400 - $1,350 |
| 96” x 60” | $630 - $2,000 |
Sliding Window Price by Type
There are three main types of sliding windows. A single window has two sides, called panes, and one pane slides left and right to open. The average cost for a window with a single slider is $200 to $550. They are the easiest sliding windows to acquire. The majority of sliding window installations feature single sliding windows. A double window also has two panes, and both slide left and right to open. The average cost of a double slider is $260 to $800. Double sliding windows cost more because they have more moving parts and are more complex.
The largest option is a triple window, with a fixed central pane and a panel on the left and right that slides open. Costs for triple windows range from $300 to $2,000. Triple sliding windows generally need a lot of room, so they are best on large walls. When selecting a type of sliding window to install, consider the window’s size, available space, slider type, and budget. Here are the average prices for different types of sliding windows, not including installation and based on a window with a minimum width of 48”.
| Type | Average Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| Single | $200 - $550 |
| Double | $260 - $800 |
| Triple | $300 - $2,000 |
Sliding Window Frame Price by Material
The frame of the window holds the glass in place. Frames are functional but also stylish. The most popular choice of frame is vinyl 2, for its lower cost and better customization options. Other considerations include durability and design, which affect the material choice and price. For example, average fiberglass 3 sliding window prices are higher than the average wooden sliding window price because of the better durability of fiberglass. Temperature range, amount of rainfall, and energy efficiency are additional considerations for the frame material. Although they increase the installation budget, the durability and energy efficiency of a frame may offset the cost with fewer repairs. Manufacturers offer several materials beyond vinyl that homeowners may want to consider during the window installation planning phase.
Homeowners usually choose wood because of its visual appeal. Fiberglass is a choice for homeowners who want long-lasting windows. Aluminum is lightweight but only appropriate for homes in areas that do not experience big temperature swings. Aluminum-clad windows are an option for homeowners who want a wood frame with a little added protection or sturdiness. Composite windows are another long-lasting option that some homeowners choose when they want the appearance of wood in a long-lasting format. The following table will assist you in pricing your sliding window installation project based on the material you choose for your window. Material costs are based on an average 48” x 36” window.
| Material | Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $200 - $600 |
| Composite | $200 - $1,250 |
| Wood | $225 - $1,000 |
| Aluminum | $300 - $600 |
| Aluminum-Clad | $500 - $800 |
| Fiberglass | $600 - $1,200 |
Sliding Window Glass Price by Type
The type of glass in a sliding window also affects the cost. Typically, a window has 1 to 3 panes, which insulate the home. Some manufacturers seal the panes with gas inside or treat the glass with special coatings. In general, the more panes of glass or the more coatings, the less heat goes through the window. This is especially helpful for climates with extreme temperatures because better insulation means lower heating and cooling costs. Many enhancements can be combined, such as low-E glass and double-pane argon-filled windows. Use the table below to gauge the cost of various glass types and help you budget your sliding window installation. Costs are based on a standard 48” x 36” window.
| Glass Type | Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| Single-Pane | $200 - $500 |
| Double-Pane | $250 - $550 |
| Reflective Glass | $350 - $700 |
| Low-E Coating | $375 - $620 |
| Spectrally Selective Coating | $375 - $720 |
| Argon-Filled | $425 - $830 |
| Triple-Pane | $450 - $910 |
| Krypton-Filled | $525 - $1,090 |
Single-Pane Sliding Windows Cost
Expect to pay between $200 and $500 for 48” x 36” single-pane windows. Single-pane windows have only one sheet of glass in each frame. They are the most basic type of window on the market, which makes them less expensive. As there is only one pane, there is no air pocket that can prevent the heat from being transferred, making these windows poor insulators.
Double-Pane Sliding Windows Cost
Double-pane windows cost $240 to $550 for a 48” x 36” window. Double-pane windows have two layers of glass in each frame. These windows insulate much better than single-pane windows, and the space between them can be treated with insulating gases, such as argon and krypton, or special coatings. However, lower-quality windows can develop leaks and get mold or other materials between the panes.
Reflective Sliding Window Cost
Reflective-coated windows usually cost between $350 to $700 for a 48” x 36” window. A reflective coating is a treatment applied to the glass panes in a window. This coating reflects part of the sun’s rays to improve the home’s energy efficiency during the summer. This gives the glass a tint like sunglasses.
Low-E Glass Cost for Sliding Windows
Depending on the manufacturer, low-E coated windows cost around $375 to $620 for a 48” x 36” window. Low-E stands for low-Emissivity. Instead of blocking light from the sun, low-E windows block heat and UV (ultraviolet) rays. This makes them better for year-round applications. These treatments can only be applied in the factory and increase the cost.
Spectrally Selective Glazing
Installing a 48” x 36” window with spectrally selective glazing costs between $375 and $720. Spectrally selective glazing is a system that allows some types of solar rays to enter a home while blocking other types. Spectrally selective glazing maximizes how much sunlight enters the home without inviting solar heat into the residence. Spectrally selective applied window film is a great option for reducing how often a homeowner must use air conditioning. The film keeps the home cool yet allows valuable sunlight to enter the home.
Sliding Argon Gas Windows Cost
Sliding argon gas-filled windows cost $425 to $830 for a 48” x 36” window. Argon gas is a non-toxic gas similar to helium but denser. The density of argon makes it a better insulator. Many double-pane sliding windows use argon gas between the panes. If one of the panes breaks, the gas will be lost, and the entire window needs to be replaced.
Triple-Pane Sliding Windows Cost
Triple-pane sliding windows range from $450 to $910 for a 48” x 36” window. A triple-pane window has three layers of glass in each frame, which adds to the cost. Triple-pane windows insulate better than single and double-pane windows. Also, the extra layer makes special treatments like krypton fills and argon gas more effective.
Sliding Krypton Window Cost
Krypton is typically used in triple-pane windows. Krypton-filled sliding windows cost $525 to $1,090 for a 48” x 36” window. Krypton is another inert gas, similar to argon. Krypton is a better insulator than argon, but it is more expensive. This is offset by using less space between each pane of glass.
Cost of Sliding Windows by Brand
The brand of window affects not only the cost but the options available. Prices range from $300 to $1,200, depending on the brand chosen. Some manufacturers offer different designs, which affect your home’s appearance. Popular brands include Pella, Jeld-Wen, Milgard, Simonton, and Andersen. Pella sliding windows tend to have the most affordable cost. Andersen windows are on the other side of the range at higher price points. Customized sizes and features impact price, too, especially for higher-end manufacturers like Andersen and Simonton.
Brands like Pella, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard are easy to find at home improvement stores, while windows for brands like Andersen and Simonton are ordered directly from the manufacturer. Most sliding window manufacturers offer a warranty on manufacturing defects for as long as you own the home. However, warranties are not normally transferable to the next homeowner. Here are some of the most popular brands that manufacture sliding windows. These prices are based on 48” x 36” windows. Prices increase or decrease if you choose larger or smaller windows. Consider these prices as a gauge for overall costs for one manufacturer versus another.
| Brand | Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| Pella | $300 - $600 |
| Jeld-Wen | $300 - $1,000 |
| Milgard | $350 - $1,000 |
| Simonton | $450 - $800 |
| Andersen | $500 - $1,200 |
Framed vs Frameless Sliding Windows
One option homeowners may choose for their sliding windows is framed or frameless construction. A framed window is the traditional style most homeowners routinely have installed when they get new or replacement windows. A frameless window is a higher-end option that usually requires custom work and comes at a higher price point. The main reason homeowners choose frameless windows is their aesthetic appeal rather than their function.
In most cases, frameless windows feature double-pane construction because they do not have material surrounding the frame that helps provide insulation. However, frameless windows still require some structural support within the wall to support the weight of the window. Homeowners should be prepared to pay more for the windows, installation, and labor. The table below offers approximate costs for frameless windows versus framed windows for a 48” x 36” window.
| Type | Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|
| Framed | $200 - $550 |
| Frameless | $400 - $1,950 |
Sliding Window Installation Cost
Installing a window is a difficult and skilled job. Unless you have experience with building, it is recommended to hire a contractor to install sliding windows. Most contractors estimate a job based on the expected time to complete the work. This time is calculated at an hourly rate and added to the window’s cost. Some contractors offer an estimate and bill only for labor and materials. Other contractors offer a single fixed price.
Average labor rates for building contractors are $45 to $85 per hour. Smaller windows can be installed in 2-3 hours, while larger windows may take 6-8 hours. Homeowners can estimate total cost based on the cost of the window they select plus the estimated cost of labor. For example, a 48” x 36” double-pane window may cost $240 to $550 and have an estimated installation cost of $270 to $680. The total cost for the window plus labor ranges from $510 to $1,230. Tasks like making a new hole in the wall push the cost to the higher end of the range. Installations into an existing window frame take less time and cost less.
Sliding Window Replacement Cost
Replacing an existing sliding window is much easier than installing a new window. For small or medium-sized windows, expect to pay $180 to $510 in labor. Depending on the window’s size, it may take a crew 2-3 hours or a single laborer 4-6 hours. Complex installation jobs that require extra time increase the installation cost by $90 to $340. Difficult removal of old windows increases the cost by $45 to $85 for each additional hour required to remove the old window.
The cost to replace a single window costs more per window than a job that requires the replacement of two or more windows. Installation crews usually spend less time per window when they combine several window replacement trips into one project. Homeowners who have multiple windows they want to replace should consider getting all the windows replaced at the same time to save on overall installation costs.
| Number | Labor Cost per Window |
|---|
| 1 - 4 Windows | $180 - $510 |
| 5 - 9 Windows | $160 - $480 |
| 10 - 19 Windows | $140 - $450 |
| 20+ Windows | $120 - $420 |
Cost to Replace All Sliding Windows in a House
Some homeowners replace individual windows as necessary. It is possible to replace all the windows in the home in one project. Major restorations often feature larger projects. However, it is always up to the homeowner whether to replace them individually or all at once. The average home has approximately 22 windows, but smaller homes may have around 15. Large homes may have up to 30 windows or more. With these averages in mind, here are the costs you might encounter in replacing all the windows in a house. The low end of the range represents single-pane windows, and the high end of the range represents triple-pane windows.
| Number | Replacement Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| 15 Windows | $5,100 - $18,750 |
| 20 Windows | $6,400 - $24,400 |
| 25 Windows | $8,000 - $30,500 |
| 30 Windows | $9,600 - $36,600 |
Pros and Cons
Like anything you might install in your home, sliding windows have some pros and cons versus other types of windows. One drawback is their mechanical parts, which may require replacement after a few years of heavy use. Inoperable windows without moving parts do not have this potential failure point. Another drawback is that triple sliding windows have a dramatically increased cost, which makes it expensive for installation when you want multiple windows
However, on the plus side, sliding windows are an excellent option when you want a very large window that opens. Sliding windows offer excellent airflow and the opportunity to allow significant sunlight into the home. Sliding windows are also sold in many widths and heights, so installing them anywhere from a small bathroom to a huge family room is possible. Despite the drawback in their functionality, it is possible to keep sliding windows in good condition for many years with regular cleaning of the mechanical features.
Maintenance
Sliding windows require minor maintenance. The tracks in which the window slides should be cleaned quarterly. Some sliding windows have a roller mechanism, which should be checked and lubricated annually. The seals and gaskets 4 should be checked to keep a weather-tight seal. Keep the windows clean to avoid buildup and other excessive wear and tear. Homeowners may perform these maintenance tasks without much hassle. But, a professional window washer is recommended for exterior cleaning of second or third-story windows due to the inherent danger of ladder work outside a home.
All windows should also be inspected for flaws annually. A good habit is to check them when you rake leaves or clean rain gutters. Check windows for cracks, problems with weatherstripping, and cloudiness in the window that could indicate a bad seal. Wood frames should be checked a few times per year since moisture can quickly damage the frame. Many window manufacturers design windows specifically for your climate, but if the window is installed in a climate with extreme weather or temperature, the windows should be checked more frequently.
Casement vs Sliding Windows Cost
A sliding window, sometimes called a gliding window, opens by sliding left or right in a track. A casement window 5 opens by swinging on a hinge, often using a crank. Casement windows ;are more complex and cost an average of $600 to $1,400 to install. These windows have more moving parts, which add to the total cost of ownership. Casement windows are also limited in size and rarely more than 36” wide. However, despite their limitations, casement windows are more efficient than sliding windows because they make a full seal when closed. A sliding window is on a track where air transfer can occur.
Sliding windows cost an average of $650 to $1,250 to install, which is quite close to casement windows. The similar price means that homeowners need not base their decision on cost, focusing instead on the functionality of casement versus sliding windows. Overall, sliding windows are easier to operate and maintain a lower ownership cost with fewer moving parts. Sliding windows can also accommodate very wide openings, with sizes up to 60” wide. The table below shows the average cost to install casement versus sliding windows.
| Type of Window | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| Casement | $600 - $1,400 |
| Sliding | $650 - $1,250 |
Sliding Window vs Double-Hung Cost
One of the design choices homeowners make when updating or installing windows is horizontal slide windows 1 or vertical windows, which are usually double-hung. One of the benefits of a double-hung window is that it is particularly good at creating a seal when closed. A sliding window may let some air in or out of the residence along the edge of the trough where the window slides open or closed. One of the additional benefits of double-hung windows is that parents can open them at the top, which reduces the likelihood of a child falling out of the window.
On the other hand, a homeowner may choose a horizontal slide window because of its ease of operation versus a horizontal window. Modern windows are so fluid that all it takes is a featherlight push to open or close them. Sliding windows are also easier to obtain in large sizes, which is helpful for homeowners who want a large window that they can open to the outside. For many homeowners, the choice of a vertical or horizontal window comes down to aesthetics. They have their differences, but each creates a distinct look for the home.
| Type of Window | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| Double-Hung | $550 - $3,500 |
| Sliding | $650 - $1,250 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Sliding Window Trim
When installing new windows, you may also want to update the trim. A carpenter can usually install this at about $40 to $200 per hour. In total, the average cost of installing window trim is between $125 and $275 per window. One of the convenient aspects of window trims is that they can be installed with or without replacing the windows, so homeowners can budget their window replacement and then easily take care of the window trim later.
Window Screens
In most cases, window screens are not included in the window’s cost. With sliding windows, only the portion of the window that slides or opens needs a screen, not the entire window. Typical window screens cost around $100 to $400 to install. Some sliding windows are sold with the screens already included, but it is also possible to upgrade existing sliding windows with new screens.
Grill Work
If you have an older home featuring grillwork on your windows, you may need to have it replaced. Wrought iron grillwork is normally custom-made for the windows it covers. Some ready-made grills start at around $200 per window. Some modern grills are styled as security devices and sold as security bars. Before purchasing new grills, consult with your contractor to determine whether existing grills may be reused after window installation.
Tinted Sliding Window Price
Homeowners may enhance their windows with various tints and films, including solar reflective films, spectrally selective window films, and UV reflective window films. Solar reflective films work like car tint to block incoming heat from the sun. Spectrally selective window film is an advanced film that only blocks certain wavelengths from entering. UV reflective window film prevents ultraviolet light from coming into the house. Window tinting costs $330 to $570.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY. Because windows need to have a tight fit to ensure that they work properly and seal out wind and moisture, it is generally recommended that you have them installed by a professional.
- Safety glass. Depending on your window’s location, tempered or safety glass may be required by law. These areas are typically located near stairs and low-level windows. Check with your local town hall to get more information.
- Weatherstripping. Weatherstripping may need to be installed around your new sliders to ensure they function properly.
- Recouping costs. A sliding window, especially an energy-efficient window, recoups about 75% of the window’s cost in home valuation. Combined with energy savings, this can save money. Replacing fixed windows with sliding windows can improve airflow and comfort and make a home more attractive to buyers.
- Replace vs new installation. Replacing windows of the same size costs less than installing new ones because the installation does not require new framing, which makes replacement much faster and less expensive.
- Location. All things being equal, it costs the same to install a bedroom window as it might a kitchen window. Prices increase or decrease based on ease of access, quality of materials, and window size.
- Green options. When replacing windows, homeowners may choose certain upgrades and features that reduce energy costs and offer greater efficiency. Upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane from single-pane reduces energy loss. Low-E coatings and spectrally selective coatings help, too.
- Permit. Installing new windows that change the structure of the home requires a permit. Simply replacing a window usually requires a permit, too. Always consult with your contractor to ensure they pull permits when required by local law. Note that fixing broken glass in a window does not require a permit and is a routine cosmetic repair.
- House style. Sliding windows are a great choice for homes in the mid-century modern style and most contemporary styles. Consider carefully whether sliding windows suit another style of home, like a Victorian, which usually has sash windows.
FAQs
- What is the standard size of a sliding window?
Sliding windows come in several standard sizes. Sliding window heights average 24”, 36”, 48”, 60”, and 72” tall. Widths range from 24” to 60”, with an average of 36” to 48”. Standard sizes are designed to fit a space measured in feet. For example, a 23.5” x 35.5” window is designed to fit a standard 2’ by 3’ opening.
- Which is better casement or sliding windows?
This depends on the space available and homeowner preference. Casement windows swing open on a hinge, creating a wider window opening. Sliding windows only open part of the width of the window. Sliding windows may have a slight edge in that they have fewer moving parts, which lowers overall maintenance costs.
- Can you change the direction of a sliding window?
For most sliding windows, no. With a double-sliding window, it can be opened from either the left or the right. Sliding windows cannot be converted to slide up and down. Windows that open up and down are called single-hung (with one moving pane) or double-hung (with two moving panes) windows.
Properly installed sliding windows should not leak. However, poor installation can result in uneven sliding and leaks that worsen over time. Failing to clean and maintain sliding window tracks can also lead to leaks.
- Are sliding windows less efficient?
Sliding windows are efficient when initially installed. However, efficiency may degrade as the window tracks age and leak air into or out of the home. Cleaning the tracks regularly helps maintain efficiency and an airtight seal.
- How long does it take to install sliding windows?
Sliding windows take approximately two to three hours to install for small windows and six to eight hours to install for large windows. Installation challenges like the difficult removal of old windows may increase installation time.
Updated:
