The short answer
uPVC is the most affordable frame at £400–£900 per window fitted; aluminium typically costs around 30–50% more, and timber is usually the most expensive at £800–£1,800 or more. The glass and sealed unit are broadly similar across all three — the price difference is mostly in the frame material and its manufacturing. Maintenance also differs: timber needs periodic repainting, while uPVC and aluminium are largely maintenance-free. These are typical illustrations, not quotes. For the look-and-feel comparison, see uPVC vs aluminium vs timber windows.
Frame material is the single biggest driver of what a double glazed window costs. This guide compares the three main options on price — per window and across a whole house — and explains why aluminium and timber carry a premium over uPVC, and what you get for it. All figures are typical 2026 illustrations rather than quotes.
Material cost at a glance (per window, fitted)
- uPVC £400–£900
- Aluminium £550–£1,300
- Timber (softwood) £800–£1,400
- Timber (hardwood) £1,000–£1,800+
- Aluminium uplift over uPVC +30–50%
- Timber maintenance Repaint every 5–10 years
uPVC: the affordable default
uPVC is the most widely fitted frame material in the UK and the most affordable, typically £400–£900 per window supplied and fitted. It is durable, energy-efficient and effectively maintenance-free — an occasional wipe is all it needs. Modern uPVC comes in a wide range of colours and woodgrain finishes, so it no longer means plain white. For most homeowners it offers the best balance of cost, performance and low upkeep, which is why a whole-house uPVC job typically lands at £4,000–£9,000. See the whole-house cost guide.
| Material | Per window (fitted) | Whole house (8–10) |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £400–£900 | £4,000–£9,000 |
| Aluminium | £550–£1,300 | £5,500–£13,000 |
| Timber (softwood) | £800–£1,400 | £8,000–£14,000 |
| Timber (hardwood) | £1,000–£1,800+ | £10,000–£18,000+ |
Aluminium: slimmer frames, higher price
Aluminium frames are strong and slim, which lets them carry larger panes of glass with thinner sightlines — a popular look for contemporary homes and big glazed openings. That strength and the manufacturing process put aluminium at roughly 30–50% above uPVC, so £550–£1,300 per window. Thermally, modern aluminium frames use a “thermal break” to match the insulation of uPVC. Like uPVC, aluminium is essentially maintenance-free and available in a wide colour range. The premium buys the slimline appearance and durability rather than better glass.
Timber: the period choice and the priciest
Timber windows suit period properties and are often required in conservation areas or on listed buildings, where uPVC may not be permitted — see planning permission for new windows. They are the most expensive option, £800–£1,800 or more per window, and they need periodic repainting or staining roughly every 5–10 years to stay weatherproof. Softwood is cheaper than hardwood. The cost reflects the material, the joinery and the upkeep over the window’s life. Where character and authenticity matter, many owners consider the premium worthwhile.
Total cost of ownership, not just sticker price
The fitted price is only part of the picture. uPVC and aluminium are effectively maintenance-free, so the upfront cost is close to the lifetime cost. Timber adds repainting every several years, which is worth factoring in if you are weighing it against the alternatives. All three can last decades when well made and fitted, so longevity is rarely the deciding factor — see how long double glazing lasts. This is general information; the right choice depends on your property, its style and any conservation requirements, as well as budget.
Compare double glazing quotes
Material choice has the biggest single effect on price. Use our service to compare quotes from FENSA or CERTASS registered installers in your area.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminium windows worth the extra cost?
Aluminium costs around 30–50% more than uPVC, and the premium buys slimmer frames, larger glass areas and a contemporary look, plus excellent durability. The glass performance is broadly the same, so the value depends on how much you want the slimline appearance.
Why are timber windows so expensive?
Timber is the priciest frame because of the material, the joinery involved and the need for periodic repainting or staining. It is often the required choice in conservation areas and on listed buildings, where its authenticity is the point.
Is uPVC the cheapest option?
Yes — uPVC is typically the most affordable frame material at £400–£900 per window fitted, and it is effectively maintenance-free, so it usually offers the best balance of cost and upkeep for most homes.
Does the frame material affect energy efficiency?
Less than you might think. The glass and sealed unit drive most of the thermal performance, and modern uPVC, thermally broken aluminium and timber can all achieve good Window Energy Ratings. Compare the WER or U-value rather than assuming one material is warmer.
Sources & further reading
- Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) — consumer guidance on frame materials and costs
- FENSA — guidance on replacement windows and Building Regulations compliance
- Energy Saving Trust — window frame materials and energy efficiency
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Document L — thermal standards for replacement windows
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs vary with your home, the windows you choose and your chosen installer. Replacement windows should be fitted by a FENSA or CERTASS registered window installer. We are an independent information and introduction service, not an installer.