How Much Does a Garden Window Cost? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $1,500–$5,000
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A garden window is a box that protrudes from your home’s exterior wall, similar to a bay window but smaller. It has glass panes on the front, sides, and top, allowing maximum light. Homeowners typically use it as an indoor garden for their houseplants. Many top window brands offer these beautiful and functional windows to complement your interior decor. The average garden window costs $1,500–$5,000, with an average of $3,000. Read on for details about cost factors and installation.
*Article cost data sourced from Fixr.
What Are The Benefits of Garden Windows?
Garden windows are a bit like mini greenhouses for your indoor plants, so they’re sometimes called greenhouse windows. They’re typically located over the kitchen sink, but you can add one wherever you want. Here are some benefits of installing a garden window.
- Improved aesthetics: Garden windows are attractive and allow a better outdoor view.
- Increased natural light: You’ll benefit from the extra light a garden window allows in.
- Indoor gardening: A garden window offers the sunniest possible spot for indoor plants, such as succulents, that need direct sunlight. You could even grow an herb garden in the kitchen.
- Ventilation: Operable garden windows can improve indoor airflow.
What Factors Affect Garden Window Cost?
The primary factors that affect garden window costs are the window’s size, operability, and frame material.
- Window size: Larger windows require more materials and labor, increasing costs.
- Frame material: Aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and vinyl frames all have different price points.
- Fixed versus operable: Garden windows that open cost more.
Cost by Window Size
Garden windows are usually fairly large to allow for several shelves of plants. As you might expect, larger windows cost more. They also require more labor, framing, and hardware to install.
| Window Size (in Inches) | Unit Cost | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
24×24 |
$500–$700 |
$800–$1,700 |
|
30×30 |
$550–$800 |
$900–$1,800 |
|
36×48 |
$600–$2,000 |
$1,100–$3,800 |
|
48×48 |
$1,200–$3,000 |
$1,500–$4,500 |
|
60×72 |
$2,000–$4,500 |
$2,500–$6,000 |
Cost by Frame Material
Replacement window costs vary based on the material used in the frame, and garden windows are no different. An aluminum garden window is the least expensive, but it’s a poor insulator and can only be used in mild climates. Fiberglass and vinyl garden windows are the most common since they’re low-maintenance and durable but still affordable. Wooden frames provide a classic look, but they’re costly and require frequent refinishing. Here are some cost ranges by frame material for a 36-by-48-inch garden window.
| Window Frame Material | Unit Cost | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum |
$600–$800 |
$900–$2,000 |
|
Vinyl |
$700–$1,000 |
$1,000–$2,400 |
|
Fiberglass |
$800–$1,800 |
$1,100–$3,200 |
|
Wood |
$900–$2,000 |
$1,200–$3,800 |
Cost by Fixed vs. Operable
A garden window can be made entirely of fixed panels that don’t open. If you prefer more ventilation, the garden window’s back panel can slide open. You can also use awning or casement windows, which swing open on hinges, as top or side panels. Keep in mind that windows with moving parts cost more to install and are more prone to leaks.
| Type of Window | Unit Cost | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Fixed |
$600–$1,800 |
$900–$3,300 |
|
Operable |
$900–$2,000 |
$1,200–$3,500 |
Labor Cost
Your project’s labor cost is partly determined by the installation’s difficulty. Larger, more complex windows take longer to install and thus cost more. It could be as low as $300 to install a small, fixed garden window or as high as $1,500 for a larger, operable window.
Additional Garden Window Cost Considerations
Here are some other cost considerations to keep in mind when installing a garden window.
Window Brand
Different window brands charge different amounts. Most window companies offer several choices, from budget windows to high-end options. Here are some sample garden window prices for medium-sized windows.
| Brand | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Pella |
$800–$2,200 |
|
Milgard |
$800–$2,700 |
|
Harvey |
$1,200–$3,800 |
|
Ventana USA |
$1,200–$4,000 |
|
Simonton |
$1,300–$3,500 |
|
Andersen |
$1,400–$4,000 |
Glass Pane Type
Garden windows come in a few different glass types. You’ll get more insulation from double- and triple-paned windows, as well as windows with nonreactive gasses or special glazes in the panes.
Here’s what some 36–by-48-inch garden windows cost based on glass type.
| Type of Glass | Unit Cost | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Argon-filled |
$1,000–$7,000 |
$1,300–$3,200 |
|
Double-pane |
$600–$1,000 |
$900–$2,500 |
|
Krypton-filled |
$1,500–$2,000 |
$1,800–$3,500 |
|
Low-e coating |
$700–$1,200 |
$1,000–$2,700 |
|
Spectrally selective coating |
$800–$1,500 |
$1,100–$3,00 |
|
Triple-pane |
$1,200–$1,800 |
$1,500–$3,300 |
Customizations
DIY vs. Professional Garden Windows
Garden window installation is fairly complex, so it’s usually best to hire a professional window contractor.
Professional Garden Windows
If you need to cut an entirely new window hole, hiring a pro is the way to go. Cutting into your wall alters your home’s structure, and professional contractors know how to do this safely. They’ll also be able to install your new garden window securely so there are no water or air leaks. Doing it yourself risks water damage, pest infestation, or reduced home energy efficiency. If you’re not confident with your do-it-yourself (DIY) skills, it’s better to hire a window contractor and pay the labor costs.
DIY Garden Windows
Replacing an existing window with a same-sized garden window may be doable for an experienced DIYer. In addition to the actual window, you’ll need a drill, jigsaw, plywood, window well cover, and extra molding. When removing the old window and fitting the garden window to the opening, you must thoroughly seal all cracks and joins to prevent leaks. You can save on labor costs with a DIY garden window installation, but you may have to pay for costly repairs later on if you don’t complete the job correctly.
How To Hire a Pro
Take the following steps when searching for a professional window contractor.
- Find out how long the contractor has been in business and whether they have specific experience installing garden windows.
- Look for a pro with a regular contractor’s license, as most states don’t require contractors to have a specific license for window installation.
- Hire only a bonded and insured contractor.
- Check the window company’s Better Business Bureau rating and accreditation status as well as customer reviews or references.
- Ask your window installer about a workmanship warranty. Most new windows come with a limited manufacturer warranty.
- Get estimates from at least three different contractors before making your choice.
How To Save on Garden Windows
Our Conclusion
Installing a garden window is a simple way to increase natural light and create an indoor gardening spot without extensive construction. Although they’re more expensive to install than regular windows, you can save some money by tackling the project in the off-season and choosing a standard size. You may be surprised at how much a garden window brightens up the kitchen or other rooms in your house.
FAQ About Garden Windows
What is the average price for a garden window?
The average price of a garden window is $3,000, with a range of $1,500 and $5,000. This price includes materials and labor.
Do garden windows increase home value?
It’s generally thought that garden windows increase a home’s resale value, though the specific amount depends on the local housing market and interior design trends.
What are the benefits of having a garden window?
Garden windows provide a small, indoor greenhouse space to grow plants, flowers, or herbs that need lots of direct sunlight. They also allow in more natural light than a flat window and provide a better outside view. A garden window with panels that open offers improved ventilation.
What material is best for garden windows?
Vinyl and fiberglass are the most common garden window frame materials since they’re reasonably durable and energy-efficient but affordable. Wood is another attractive option and a good insulator, but it tends to be more expensive and requires more maintenance. The best garden window material depends on your budget and local climate.
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