Sliding windows welcome light into your home and offer an unobtrusive way to enjoy fresh air and views. These windows — sometimes called slider or gliding windows — slide horizontally and overlap to open, making them excellent choices for tight spaces above a kitchen sink or outdoor walkway.
Installing a new sliding window or replacing an old one can improve the value and functionality of your space. This article will discuss potential sliding window costs to help you budget for this worthwhile home improvement project.
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How Much Do Sliding Windows Cost?
New sliding windows typically cost $600–$1,150. This cost range will fluctuate depending on several factors. Small or replacement sliding windows may cost as low as $300, while higher-end products and large installations can exceed $1,500.
| Low-end Cost Range | $300–$550 |
| National Average Cost Range | $600–$1,150 |
| High-end Cost Range | $1,500+ |
I source cost data from RSMeans, a contractor project estimation database. The figures in this article cover rough materials and installation.
Want to learn a little more about these windows before you start shopping? This video from American Window Concepts discusses the pros and cons of slider windows:
What Factors Affect the Cost of Sliding Windows?
The cost of your new sliding windows will likely fall within the range listed above. However, you should prepare for cost fluctuations driven by the factors below:
- Size
- Number of panels
- Material
- Glazing
- Brand
Cost of Sliding Windows by Size
The size of your new windows will ultimately determine your base price. Sliding windows typically run 36 to 84 inches long and 48 to 60 inches tall, with larger models costing the most.
My research on RSMeans yielded the following prices for materials and installation of various sliding window sizes:
| Sliding Window | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2’ X 2’ | $460–$570 |
| 2’ X 3’ | $365–$655 |
| 3’ X 2’ | $350–$865 |
| 3’ X 3’ | $475–$875 |
| 3’ X 4’ | $600–$900 |
| 4’ X 3’ | $1,080–$1,100 |
| 4’ X 4’ | $1,100–$1,350 |
| 4’ X 5’ | $1,160–$1,310 |
| 5’ X 3’ | $1,330–$1,450 |
| 5’ X 5’ | $1,300–$1,410 |
| 6’ X 5’ | $1,560–$1,640 |
Cost of Sliding Windows by Material
Window material refers to the framing around the glass. The most common options are vinyl, aluminum, and wood, though some homeowners are turning to composite and fiberglass frames for superior performance and easy upkeep.
Vinyl and aluminum-framed sliding windows are the cheapest options, while wood, composite, and fiberglass are the most expensive. These higher cost ranges are mostly due to sourcing, complex manufacturing processes, and premium benefits like top-tier energy efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements.
I’ve listed potential costs for a 3-foot by 2-foot sliding window in various materials. Continue reading below the table for descriptions, benefits, and drawbacks of each option.
| Sliding Window Frame Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $520–$615 |
| Aluminum | $750–$865 |
| Wood | $850–$900 |
| Fiberglass | $850–$1,100 |
| Composite | $900–$1,300 |
- Vinyl frame windows are the most widely available option on the market. They’re durable and low-maintenance, resisting fade and moisture damage for 20 to 40 years. However, they’re bulkier and can’t be repainted, so aesthetically driven homeowners may choose a different option.
- Aluminum frames are often the second cheapest option after vinyl. Aluminum is durable, strong, and pest-resistant. However, aluminum is a heat-transferring material, so it isn’t a good insulator. Check out our article on the prices of aluminium windows to gain more insights on aluminium costs.
- Wood is a classic frame material that many homeowners choose for its elegant, high-end appearance. This beauty comes at a price, with wood windows falling hundreds of dollars above vinyl. Wood is also a higher maintenance material and may be susceptible to rot and pests without proper upkeep.
- Fiberglass is a premium window frame material and often the most expensive. It comprises tightly woven fiberglass strands coated and cured to form a highly durable yet slim frame. Fiberglass windows are warp and crack resistant even in harsh weather conditions, making them an excellent choice for volatile climates. The main drawback of fiberglass windows is limited availability among popular retailers.
- Composite windows are somewhat of a newcomer regarding availability and popularity. This material resembles classic wood but boasts vinyl’s durability and low maintenance requirements, making it highly customizable and appealing to many homeowners. Despite these benefits, some buyers may shy from the high price point of composite products.
Cost of Sliding Windows by Number of Panels
Sliding windows function like sliding patio doors in the sense that they can have multiple moving panels. Some sliding windows have one stationary panel and one operable one, allowing for ventilation through half of the area. Others have two or three larger operable window panels that provide more airflow and outdoor views. These undoubtedly cost more due to the larger size, lengthier installation, and more moving parts involved.
| Number of Sliding Window Panels | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single | $200–$600 |
| Double | $500–$900 |
| Triple | $950–$1,500 |
- Single sliding windows are a standard option featuring a stationary panel and a movable one that opens. Single sliding windows resemble horizontal single-hung windows; the operable panel slides on a track to overlap the fixed one.
- Double sliding windows feature two operable sashes that can glide side to side, functioning as a double-hung window turned on its side. These windows can overlap in the middle or slide to either side to allow airflow through half of the sash space.
- Triple sliding windows feature a fixed center pane and two operable flankers. Triple-panel sliding windows are wider than singles or doubles, leading to a higher price yet potentially more functionality.
Cost of Sliding Windows by Glazing
The type of glazing you select for your sliding window will affect its price. This is because single-pane glass uses fewer materials and therefore costs less. Meanwhile, double and triple-pane windows contain two or three times the glass area of single-pane ones, leading to much higher price points.
The table below exhibits potential price ranges for a 3-feet-by-3-feet vinyl sliding window with different kinds of insulated glass:
| Sliding Window Glass Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-pane | $280–$310 |
| Double-pane | $450–$750 |
| Triple-pane | $575–$1,250 |
- Single-pane windows have one sheet of glass within the frame. The single glass pane undoubtedly comes at a lower cost but can raise your power bills in the long run because of energy inefficiency and poor insulation.
- Double-pane windows feature two glass panes, often separated by air or inert gas. They’re the most standard glazing option for residential windows because they provide excellent insulation at a mid-range cost.
- Triple-pane windows are a step up from double-pane windows in terms of energy efficiency, insulation, and soundproofing. With three layers of insulating glass between the frame, these windows exhibit better performance — and higher costs — than their single and double-pane counterparts.
Cost of Sliding Windows by Brand
Even if you select the same window size, material, and style from two different brands, you’ll still get different prices. This is because different companies charge premiums for features, specialty services, and proprietary technologies they believe make their products unique.
It’s crucial to start your sliding window search by getting quotes from several window manufacturers. I suggest booking in-home or virtual consultations to help the sales representative understand your needs and window requirements.
Below I’ve listed some popular window brands and sliding window cost ranges to help you determine where to start:
| Sliding Window Brand | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pella | $450–$1,000 |
| Universal Windows Direct | $500–$900 |
| Simonton | $500–$1,000 |
| Window World | $550–$1,125 |
| Castle Windows | $550–$1,450 |
| Window Nation | $600–$1,000 |
| JELD-WEN | $700–$1,300 |
| Marvin | $700–$1,100 |
| Champion Windows | $700–$1,125 |
| Renewal by Andersen | $900–$1,200+ |
Additional Costs of Sliding Windows
Even if you’ve settled on size, material, and glazing, your sliding window costs still aren’t set in stone. Other facts like labor costs and glass upgrades can drive up your bill:
- Labor fees will account for a large portion of your sliding window installation costs. RSMeans data suggests that slider window installation ranges from $40–$60 per hour per installer. If you hire a two-worker crew for two hours, you might pay between $160–$240 extra in labor costs.
- Glass additions like Low-E coatings and UV-resistant tints can increase your total costs by around $5–$15 per square foot. These expenditures may be worthwhile if you live in an extreme temperature climate; Low-E glass can reduce window energy loss by as much as 50%, saving you money on energy costs and improving the comfort of your home.
- Routine maintenance costs may be higher for sliding windows than other types. They feature a sliding track mechanism susceptible to wear and tear as the sash glides over it repeatedly. You can expect to pay $200–$600 for track repairs and $75–$185 for weatherstripping replacement.
Before prepping your project budget, determine whether your home needs new construction or replacement windows. New construction means adding a window where there wasn’t one before by cutting a rough opening and installing a new window.
Window replacements are much simpler processes in which someone removes the old window and fits a new window sash directly into the existing opening. In this sense, window replacement costs less than new constructions because of fewer materials, time, and labor requirements — an important factor to consider when budgeting for new sliding windows.
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How Does the Cost of Sliding Windows Compare To Other Window Types?
Sliding windows are comparable in price to casement windows and picture windows. However, they offer easy-to-open convenience and a slim profile, making them the best choice for tight, hard-to-reach spaces. They’re also aesthetically beneficial for wall areas needing wide windows instead of tall ones.
Regardless of the need, exploring potential price points for different types of windows is important. See how sliding window costs compare to common window styles to make the most educated purchase:
Is DIY Worth the Cost Savings of Installing Sliding Windows?
Sliding window installation is doable with the right skills, knowledge, and equipment. However, most homeowners lack all three.
For this reason, we recommend leaving sliding window installation to the professionals. A certified window technician performs installations daily, giving them the experience to do the job correctly. Plus, when you go with a well-known brand like Champion or Renewal by Andersen, you’ll get the guarantee of proper training and the peace of mind of a window warranty.
Sliding windows are operable, which means they have hardware and moving parts. More mechanisms mean more opportunities to incorrectly install the window, leaving it malfunctioning or improperly sealed. A professional installer will ensure your new sliding window is properly fitted to the window opening and sealed into place for long-lasting weathertight protection.
Read Also: Review of Zip Liquid Flash vs Prosoco
Are Sliding Windows Worth It for Your Home?
Sliding windows are highly functional, providing excellent outdoor views, easy opening, and optimal ventilation. Though sliding windows typically range from $600–$1,150, your specific budget will depend on the customizations and features you select.
Now that you know the cost factors of sliding windows, you’re ready to start getting quotes from multiple installers. Fill out the quick form below to explore top-rated window installers.
FAQs: Cost of Sliding Windows
What are the benefits of sliding windows?
Sliding windows have several benefits, including ease of use, midrange cost, and security features. A sliding window glides easily across a track to open and provide excellent ventilation to your home. They don’t stick out when open, making them ideal for areas that can’t have extruding windows. Another lesser-known benefit of sliding windows is their ability to hold small AC units for single-room use.
What are the disadvantages of sliding windows?
A couple of disadvantages accompany the many benefits of horizontal sliding windows. The main drawback of slider glass windows is their higher maintenance needs. The window tracks may deteriorate, leading to repair and replacement costs. Plus, a broken or worn down track may lessen the window’s energy efficiency and weather tightness, leaving your home susceptible to water damage and drafts.
Are sliding windows energy-efficient?
Single sliding windows are the most energy-efficient sliding window style because fewer moving parts could let in air or moisture. For the same reason, single-panel sliding windows are typically more energy-efficient than double-hung windows. However, sliding windows are one of the less energy-efficient window types you can buy. They lack the sealing mechanisms of casement and awning windows, which form tight weatherproof barriers when closed.
You can improve the energy efficiency of your sliding windows by choosing an insulative frame material, multi-pane glass, and argon gas fills. You should have the windows installed by a professional to ensure the weatherstripping and hardware performs optimally.
Are sliding windows secure?
Most modern sliding windows feature a locking mechanism the user can activate when the window is closed. The lock prevents outside intruders from opening the window from the outside; however, it doesn’t prevent them from breaking the glass, which is a threat to any window style.
