Skylight installation costs typically range from $1,000–$3,000, depending on the size, type, and complexity of the project. While skylights can brighten a space and improve natural light, installation costs can vary widely based on your roof design and the level of work required.
This guide breaks down the factors that influence skylight costs, including materials and sizing, labor, and installation complexity. We also include advice from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva on proper installation and sealing, which helps prevent leaks and long-term damage.
Key Takeaways
- Skylight installation costs between $1,000 and $3,000, with an average project cost of $1,800 including materials and labor.
- Frame material significantly impacts price, with vinyl skylights costing $150–$1,000, metal options ranging from $200–$1,500, and wood frames being the most expensive at $300–$2,500.
- Tubular skylights are the most budget-friendly option at $200–$500 for materials, while vented skylights with electric operation can cost up to $2,000 for materials alone.
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What Factors Affect Skylight Installation Cost?
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Skylight installation costs $1,000–$3,000, with an average of $1,800 nationwide. Your price will vary based on your specific skylight features, materials, and other physical factors. Here are some of the major cost factors that will impact your project budget:
- Frame material: Vinyl skylights are the least expensive, while wood and higher-end materials cost more due to added durability, insulation, and design flexibility.
- Size: Larger skylights increase both material and labor costs. Bigger openings require more structural framing and can be more difficult to seal properly, especially on certain roof types.
- Shape: Standard rectangular skylights are more affordable, while custom shapes such as pyramids or circles cost more to manufacture and install.
- Type: Tubular skylights are typically the most budget-friendly option, while fixed and vented skylights cost more due to their size, materials, and added functionality.
- Labor costs: Installation complexity has a major impact on price. Factors such as roof pitch, accessibility, and the need for additional waterproofing can all increase labor time and overall cost.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Fixr and Angi, unless otherwise stated.
Skylight Frame Material
Here’s an overview of the average cost for each frame material before installation:
- Vinyl: $150–$1,000
- Metal: $200–$1,500
- Wood: $300–$2,500
A skylight’s framing material affects its life span, energy efficiency, and price. Each option varies in durability, weather resistance, and style.
Vinyl skylights are the most affordable and require minimal maintenance. They offer better insulation than metal options, but lower-quality vinyl can warp or degrade in extreme temperatures.
Metal skylights, often made of aluminum, provide added strength and durability. They’re better suited for larger openings or areas exposed to harsh weather, but because metal conducts heat easily, they may contribute to higher indoor temperatures without proper insulation.
Wood skylights offer the best natural insulation and a more traditional appearance, making them a popular choice for certain home styles. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent moisture damage and are typically the most expensive option.
Skylight Size
As with other types of windows, a skylight’s size has a big impact on cost. Small skylights are more affordable and easier to install, but they may not provide enough natural light to make a noticeable difference in larger rooms. Larger skylights bring in more sunlight and can create a stronger visual impact, but they also increase both the cost of the unit and the complexity of installation.
Cutting a larger opening in the roof often requires additional framing and structural adjustments to support the skylight and maintain the roof’s integrity. Bigger units also require more extensive sealing and waterproofing, which can add to labor costs.
| Skylight Size | Material Cost Range | Average Material Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 25×25 inches | $150–$500 | $325 |
| 25×33 inches | $150–$600 | $375 |
| 25×41 inches | $300–$600 | $450 |
| 25×57 inches | $300–$800 | $550 |
| 33×33 inches | $300–$800 | $550 |
| 33×49 inches | $300–$1,000 | $650 |
| 49×49 inches | $500–$1,900 | $1,200 |
| 33×57 inches | $500–$2,000 | $1,250 |
Your roof structure also affects what size skylight you can install. “Stick-built” roofs with rafters offer greater flexibility, while truss-framed roofs may limit sizing options without additional structural modifications.
Did You Know?
- The U.S. Department of Energy recommends limiting skylights to 5% of a room’s square footage if the space already has several windows, or up to 15% in darker rooms. In practice, larger skylights can increase heat gain and glare, so sizing should balance natural light with temperature control.
Skylight Shape
Your selected skylight shape will also impact your total cost. Standard rectangular and square skylights are the most affordable because they’re widely available and easier to install. These shapes fit more naturally between roof framing, which helps keep both material and labor costs lower.
Custom shapes, including circular, oval, or pyramid skylights, typically cost more due to specialized manufacturing and more complex installation. These designs often require additional framing and sealing adjustments, which can increase labor time and overall project costs. In many cases, nontraditional shapes are also fixed in place, meaning they don’t offer ventilation.
| Skylight Shape | Material Cost Range | Average Material Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Circle | $400–$1,000 | $700 |
| Custom | $1,500–$5,000 | $3,250 |
| Oval | $600–$2,500 | $1,550 |
| Pyramid | $500–$3,000 | $1,750 |
| Rectangle | $150–$2,000 | $1,075 |
| Square | $150–$2,000 | $1,075 |
Skylight Type
There are three main types of skylights: fixed, tubular, and vented (or ventilating). Each option provides ample light, but their function and benefits vary. Tubular skylights are the least expensive, fixed varieties are midrange, and vented options are the most costly.
| Type of Skylight | Material Cost Range | Average Material Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | $200–$1,200 | $700 |
| Tubular | $200–$500 | $350 |
| Vented | $400–$2,000 | $1,200 |
Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights, also known as sun tunnels, are the most budget-friendly option. They use reflective tubing to direct sunlight into a room, which reduces both material and labor costs. However, they don’t provide sky views or ventilation, making them better suited for smaller spaces or areas where a traditional skylight isn’t practical.
Fixed Skylights
Fixed skylights fall in the midrange and are the most common type used in homes. They allow natural light to enter but don’t open for ventilation. Because they have fewer moving parts, they’re generally more affordable and easier to install than vented models.
Ventilating Skylights
Vented skylights are the most expensive option due to their added functionality. They can be opened manually or electronically to improve airflow, but this added complexity increases both material costs and installation time. Features such as electric operation or solar-powered controls can further raise the price.
Labor
Labor costs for skylight installation typically range from $300–$2,500, depending on project complexity. Easier installations with small, fixed, or tubular skylights require less time and fewer materials, while larger or vented units increase labor due to additional framing and installation steps.
Roof design also plays a major role in your project costs. Steeper pitches, limited access, or complex rooflines can increase labor time and cost. As general contractor Tom Silva shows in the This Old House segment “Installing New Skylights,” steep roofs require slower, more deliberate work, which can increase the cost to installers.
Other Skylight Installation Cost Factors
Additional skylight considerations, including glazing material, roof type, and installation style, can significantly affect the total cost of your skylight project.
Because skylight installation involves modifying both the roof and ceiling, permits may be required depending on your location. Costs vary but can reach $500 or more, and contractors typically handle the process.
Acrylic is the most affordable option and is commonly used for dome or pyramid skylights, but it can scratch or discolor over time. Glass is more expensive but offers better clarity and long-term durability. Options such as tempered or double-pane glass improve safety and insulation, but they also increase the overall price. Acrylic typically ranges from $150 to $1,000, tempered glass from $200 to $1,500, and double-paned glass from $300 to $3,500.
Roof design affects both installation difficulty and cost. Pitched roofs allow for better water runoff and are generally easier to work with, while flat roofs require additional waterproofing and specialized designs, increasing both labor and material costs.
Skylights are either curb-mounted or deck-mounted. Curb-mounted units sit on a raised frame and are more affordable, while deck-mounted skylights sit flush with the roofline and require more precise installation, which increases cost. Curb-mounted skylights typically range from $150 to $1,500, while deck-mounted options cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
Optional features such as motorized controls, built-in blinds, rain sensors, or solar-powered operation can increase the overall cost of your skylight. Consider adding a low-e coating to increase energy efficiency and improve insulation from the solar heat. While these features add convenience and functionality, they also increase the unit price and the complexity of installation.
Popular skylight brands include Sun-Tek, Velux, and Fakro. Each company has different product availability, customization options, and warranty coverage, so be sure to compare each brand to find the right skylight for your home. Traditional window manufacturers will sometimes offer skylight options, but those choices are limited.
How To Save on Your Skylight Installation
Skylights are a sizable investment, so you’ll want to keep costs low. Here are some ways to buy new skylights without breaking the bank.
- Choose standard sizes and shapes: Rectangular, fixed skylights are more affordable because they’re easier to manufacture and install than custom designs.
- Consider tubular skylights: If you want natural light without the cost of a full skylight, sun tunnels require less structural work and are typically cheaper to install.
- Limit installation complexity: Projects that don’t require building a light shaft or working around attic space will generally cost less in labor.
- Plan placement carefully: Installing a skylight in an accessible area of the roof can reduce labor time and avoid added costs tied to difficult rooflines or steep pitches.
- Invest in quality materials upfront: Higher-quality skylights and proper installation can help prevent leaks or seal failures, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs later.
Can You Install a Skylight Yourself?
While some home improvement projects are suitable for DIY, skylight installation is typically best left to professionals due to the complexity and risks involved.
Professional Skylight Installation
Homeowners should use a recommended professional window installer or roofing specialist to install skylights. You may even find a local skylight installation specialist to complete your project. These installers are familiar with various roofing materials, roof designs, and installation procedures. Skylights require precise interior and exterior preparation to ensure a solid installation.
Skylight installation also requires a watertight seal. Professional installers use flashing, or thin sheets of metal, to provide added protection around the skylight’s edges and prevent water seepage. A DIYer who lacks roofing or window installation experience could do this poorly, leading to water damage in their home.
Another advantage is that most installers include a warranty that guarantees they’ll fix any future problems. Many skylight manufacturers stipulate that a professional must complete the installation to keep the warranty intact.
DIY Skylight Installation
Installing a skylight yourself may seem like a way to save on labor costs, but it requires cutting into the roof, modifying structural components, and creating a watertight seal. Even small mistakes can lead to air leaks, water intrusion, or long-term damage to your roof and interior.
As Silva says in the Ask This Old House segment “How To Replace a Skylight,” failures can lead to visible damage such as staining, peeling paint, and warped trim. When the seal fails, the window will fog out, often indicating the unit needs a full replacement.
Working on a roof also introduces safety risks, especially on steep or multi-level surfaces. Without proper equipment and experience, the risk of injury increases significantly.
Is the Cost of Skylight Installation Worth It?
Skylights add personality, warmth, and comfort to any room. Consider your roof’s structure and pitch when selecting the right skylight size. Added features such as electric shades, low-e glass, or double-paned glass improve a skylight’s energy efficiency and help lower your energy costs over time. Use a professional installer for the best results, as attempting this project yourself can be dangerous. We recommend getting three quotes from local installers to find the best deals.
FAQs About Skylight Installation Costs
What is the purpose of a skylight?
Skylights allow more natural light to enter a room and reduce the need for artificial light. They help brighten dark rooms or rooms without enough space for traditional windows. Skylights also offer excellent ventilation and natural heat, helping to make a room more comfortable.
Can skylights add value to a home?
Yes, skylights add value to your home because of their additional natural light and improved energy efficiency. They also enhance the spacious feel of a room, making it more inviting and comfortable. The total added value depends on your skylight’s size, quality, and location.
Do roofers install skylights?
Yes, many roofing and windows companies offer skylight installation services. Some companies also specialize in installing skylights.
When should you replace your skylights?
The best time to replace your skylights is when you replace your roof to cut down on labor costs. Skylights can last anywhere from 8–20 years.
What’s the difference between a roof window and a skylight?
Roof windows and skylights differ in function and installation options. Roof windows can open fully, while skylights’ openings are limited. Skylights work on both flat and pitched roofs, while roof windows must be installed at a 15-degree angle. Roof windows work best with new roof installations, while skylights are compatible with new and existing roofs.
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