How much does a bay window cost to install?
How much does a bay window cost to install?
$2,000 – $6,000 average cost installed
Average bay window cost by size
A new bay window costs $2,000 to $6,000 with installation on average. Bay window prices depend on the size, type, and material, with small box bay windows costing the least and large bow windows costing the most to install. Bay window replacement costs $1,800 to $2,500 for labor and materials.
| Bay window size & quality | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Small / basic | $800 – $2,500 |
| Midrange / standard | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Large / custom | $3,500 – $8,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Bay window prices by material
Bay window prices vary by material, and each material has pros and cons. Vinyl and fiberglass windows are popular midrange-price choices. Wooden windows offer a classic look with more customization options but at a higher price.
| Material | Average price installed | Pros & cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $500 – $2,200 |
|
| Vinyl | $700 – $3,500 |
|
| Fiberglass | $900 – $4,500 |
|
| Wood | $1,100 – $6,000 |
|
| Steel | $1,600 – $7,000 |
|
*The lowest prices are for replacing an existing window. The highest prices are for new installations.
Bay window cost by type
Bay windows come in a variety of customizable types to match the architectural style of the home. Prices vary significantly by type and size, as shown in the following table:
| Type | Average cost installed | Description & features |
|---|---|---|
| Bow window | $3,000 – $8,000 |
|
| Box bay | $800 – $1,500 |
|
| Circle bay | $2,500 – $6,000 |
|
| Full / canted bay | $1,800 – $6,000 |
|
| Oriel | $1,500 – $5,000 |
|
| Garden window cost | $1,000 – $4,000 |
|
*The lowest prices are for replacing an existing window. The highest prices are for new installations.
Most bay windows accommodate a variety of window types, including fixed panes, windows that open, or a combination of fixed panes and double-hung or casement windows.
Bay window styles
Popular bay window styles include:
Classic / canted bay window – Standard angled bay window with a simple, practical look
Modern bay window – Sleek, minimalist look, typically with slimmer window frames
Tudor bay window – Bay window supported by a pair of wooden corbels or brackets that match the home's exterior
Victorian bay window – Classic canted bay window structure featuring ornate details or filigree
Bay window installation cost calculator
Labor to install a new bay window set costs $500 to $2,500, depending on the project size, complexity, and whether they cut a new opening in the wall or replace an existing picture window. Labor costs fall on the high end of the range for installations that require cutting a new opening.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Labor | $500 – $2,500 |
| Total cost | $2,000 – $6,000 |
Other factors that affect the cost include:
Window size & style – Larger windows or more ornate designs increase the project complexity and labor and material costs.
Functionality – Fixed picture windows typically cost less than functional opening windows.
Energy-efficient glass – Insulated double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coated glass increase material costs by 10% to 25% but provide long-term energy savings. Window tinting costs $6 to $15 per square foot and can also help to reduce heat and glare.
Brand – Popular window brands like Andersen and Pella offer bay windows in a variety of materials:
Andersen bay windows cost $1,600 to $4,000 installed.
Pella bay windows cost $600 to $3,500+ installed.
Permits – Window installation permits cost $50 to $200+, depending on the location and the amount of structural changes required.
Insulation materials – Insulation replacement costs $2 to $8 per square foot. However, some companies have a $1,500 minimum project fee. If the work includes altering wall opening, then ask the installer if the estimate includes adding insulation.
Weather-stripping – New weather-stripping costs $1 to $5 per linear foot to seal the gaps around the windows and prevent air from passing through.
Carpentry – Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and specialty. A carpenter can install new interior trim and build a custom window seat for your bay window.
Bay window roof addition cost
A bay window roof costs $1,800 to $4,600+, depending on the style and material. A shingle roof costs the least, while aged copper or brass are the most expensive. A bay window typically has a half-octagonal roof or a 3-sided hip roof, but curved or cone-shaped roofs are also an option.
New installation vs. bay window replacement cost
Bay window replacement costs $1,800 to $2,500 for labor and materials. However, installing a new window where none existed has extra costs:
Siding repair costs $200 to $1,100.
Drywall repair costs$200 to $750.
Interior wall painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area, while painting the interior trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot, with minimum job fees of around $250.
Replacing only the window glass costs $50 to $200 per window if the frames are still in good shape.
In comparison, other types of window replacement cost $xxx to $xxx, depending on the size and type.
Bay window pros & cons
Bay windows allow more natural light into your home and add interior space. However, bay windows cost more to install than other window types.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Bay window vs. bow window cost
A set of bow windows costs $3,000 to $8,000 with installation. Though some sellers advertise bow windows as a subcategory of bay windows, true bow windows are slightly different.
Bow windows feature 4 to 6+ glass panes installed at a shallower angle than bay windows to create a gentler curve. Bow windows often have stationary panes instead of windows that open.
Bay windows typically feature 3 panes, which may be stationary or opening. Some types have 1 large middle stationary picture window with 2 double-hung or casement windows that open on the sides.
Bay window FAQs
What is a bay window?
A bay window is a group of 3 or more windows that protrude from the home's exterior wall. A standard bay window features three sections: one larger picture window in the center flanked by two narrower side windows angled at 30 or 45 degrees. However, bay windows can also be rectangular or arc-shaped.
Large and curved bay windows featuring up to 6+ panes are typically called bow windows.
Do bay windows increase home value?
Bay windows typically increase home value if they are in good condition and match the home's architectural style to enhance curb appeal. A bay window also adds interior square footage, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
How long does it take to install a bay window?
Installing a new bay window takes 1 to 4 days if you're opening a wall or 6 hours to 2 days if replacing a picture window with bay windows. Replacing existing bay windows takes 1.5 to 2.0 hours per window.
Can you replace a regular window with a bay window?
Yes, you can replace a regular window with a bay window if you have the space. However, the project will likely involve enlarging the window opening to frame the new window.
Installing a bay window may also require interior work like:
Repairing drywall
Replacing window trim
Constructing a window seat
Are bay windows outdated?
Bay windows are not outdated and are still common in modern construction because they add curb appeal along with increasing interior space. A bay window is customizable to match the architectural style of almost any home.
Are bay windows energy efficient?
Bay windows are energy efficient if the installer seals the windows correctly and the windows have high-quality, double- or triple-pane glass with a low-E coating.
Getting estimates from bay window installers near you
Follow these tips to find the best window installation companies near you for your project:
Look for installers who specialize in bay windows, as this installation process differs from other window types.
Get multiple estimates featuring similar window types and materials to compare.
Choose licensed, insured, bonded companies that have been in business 5+ years.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
Avoid making a large upfront payment.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions when hiring an installer for your bay window:
How long have you been installing bay windows?
Which brands and types of windows do you typically install?
Do you have a portfolio of past projects I can view?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Which bay window style do you recommend for my home?
Will the windows feature stationary or functional panes?
How long will the installation take?
What can you do to protect the interior and exterior during the project?
Does the estimate include cleanup?
Will this project require a permit, and will you obtain it?
What type of warranty do you offer?