How much does a bay window cost to install?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a bay window cost to install?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a bay window cost to install?

$2,000 – $6,000average cost installed

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$2,000 – $6,000 average cost installed


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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 installation cost by size - Chart
Bay window installation cost by size - Chart
Bay window installation cost
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.

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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.

Bay window cost by material
Material Average price installed Pros & cons
Aluminum $500 – $2,200
  • Least expensive
  • Lightweight
  • Doesn't insulate as well as other materials
Vinyl $700 – $3,500
  • Low maintenance
  • Fewer customization options
Fiberglass $900 – $4,500
  • Strong and durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Energy-efficient
  • Fewer customization options
Wood $1,100 – $6,000
  • Classic look
  • More customization options
  • Requires more maintenance than other types
Steel $1,600 – $7,000
  • Strong and durable
  • Most expensive

*The lowest prices are for replacing an existing window. The highest prices are for new installations.

A bay window with a copper roof on a home with brick siding.
A bay window with a copper roof on a home with brick siding.

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:

Bay window cost by type
Type Average cost installed Description & features
Bow window $3,000 – $8,000
  • 4 to 6+ window panes installed at a shallow angle to create a gently curved bay
  • Usually larger than a standard bay window
  • Typically features fixed window panes
Box bay $800 – $1,500
  • A rectangular bay with a large, flat center window and two side panels angled at 90 degrees
  • Common for breakfast nooks and seating areas
Circle bay $2,500 – $6,000
  • Multiple window panes of the same size forming a semi-circular bay
  • Often placed at the corner of a house
  • Creates a larger space than many other bay window types
Full / canted bay $1,800 – $6,000
  • One of the most popular types, also called an angled bay window
  • Features a large center window flanked by a narrower window on each side angled at 30 or 45 degrees
  • Common for window seats
Oriel $1,500 – $5,000
  • A narrow bay window that protrudes from the building without touching the ground, braced underneath by corbels, cantilevers, or brackets
  • Typically found on upper floors or in older homes with traditional architecture
Garden window cost $1,000 – $4,000
  • A small bay window that protrudes from the house to create a greenhouse-like shelf for plants
  • Typically found in kitchens

*The lowest prices are for replacing an existing window. The highest prices are for new installations.

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

A classic angled bay window with casement windows and a windowseat.
A classic angled bay window with casement windows and a windowseat.

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.

Bay window cost estimate
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 $5 to $8 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:

  • 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:

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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.

Bay window pros & cons
Pros Cons
  • Increased home value & curb appeal
  • Better outdoor view
  • Extra space for plants
  • Window seating
  • More expensive than other window types
  • Awkward window treatments
  • Higher heating & cooling costs if not using energy-efficient windows

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.

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  • 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.

A large bow window with single-hung windows.
A large bow window with single-hung windows.

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?