Wood vs Vinyl Windows: Which Option Saves You Money and Boosts Home Value?

Choosing the right windows for your home feels like a big decision. It’s a major investment and will impact on how your property looks, how much you pay in energy bills and ultimately the value of your home.

That’s why we’ve written this latest post to compare two of the most popular choices: vinyl windows vs wood windows.

We’ll take you through why choosing the right windows matters and give you an overview of both wood and vinyl windows. Then we’ll move on to a wood versus vinyl windows comparison, looking at factors such as maintenance, cost and impact on your home value.

Once you get to the end, you’ll find out whether vinyl or wood windows are the best option for your budget, lifestyle and property. Keep reading to discover more about vinyl versus wood windows!

Why choosing the right windows matters

You may be wondering what’s the deal with windows—why is my choice so important?

One reason is because your choice of windows affects the overall look of your property. For example, if you are living in a historic property you may opt for wood windows that fit its aesthetic. But when it comes to wood vs vinyl windows new construction homes, vinyl tends to suit this style of property better

Your window choice also influences your home’s curb appeal—this is the first impression potential buyers have of your home and can make or break their decision to buy.

Windows also play a major role in keeping your home energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. 

Choose energy efficient windows and they will help retain heat during the colder months and keep your home cool in summer, reducing your energy bills.

Another important role that windows play is to help keep your home secure. Carefully chosen windows that have been properly fitted by a professional company are a barrier to intruders.

They also help to reduce noise levels in your home. Good quality vinyl or wood windows can significantly cut down on outside noise coming inside, making your living environment much more pleasant.

For these reasons, it’s worth taking time to consider wood vs vinyl replacement windows before making your final decision. New windows are one of the most significant investments you can make in your home, so make sure you get it right!

Wood windows overview

Are wood windows better than vinyl? Let’s find out by looking at the main features of wood windows.

Considering vinyl windows vs wood windows, wood windows are more traditional and appeal to homeowners with a period property. Wood windows are made with solid timber frames using wood such as pine, oak and cedar and can be stained or painted according to individual taste.

Pros of wood windows

• Suit traditional or period properties
• Warm, natural aesthetic
• Many customization options
• Easy to repair
• Provide natural insulation
• Good ROI (return on investment)
• Can last for decades—up to 30 years or even longer

Cons of wood windows

• Need regular maintenance to prevent deterioration
• More expensive than vinyl windows
• They can attract pests such as termites, though they can be deterred by painting the window frames with an oil or acrylic based paint

Vinyl windows overview

Let’s investigate the question are vinyl windows better than wood by looking at vinyl’s key features.

The full name of the material vinyl windows are made from is polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. This synthetic plastic material is cost-effective, versatile and an affordable option. However, while vinyl windows come in a range of colors and finishes, it’s hard to exactly replicate the natural grain of wood.

Pros of vinyl windows

• More affordable than wood windows
• Good ROI
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Offer great energy efficiency
• Easy to fit

Cons of vinyl windows

• May not suit more traditional or period properties
• Can warp, crack or fade in extreme temperatures
• Not as many customization options as wood windows
• Don’t last as long as wood windows—typically 15-20 years

Wood vs vinyl windows: Head-to-head comparison

To answer the question are wood or vinyl windows better, let’s move on to a head-to-head comparison. We’ll drill down into the details you need to make your important decision.

Initial cost

A wood window costs an average of $1,300, though the price can range from $700-$2,000.

Since the average house has 22 windows, you could expect to pay around $28,600 to replace all the windows in your home.

For vinyl windows, the average price of $650 per window, and a range of $255-$1,050.

To replace 22 windows with vinyl windows, you could expect to pay $14,300.

The verdict? A vinyl window vs wood window is the more affordable option.

Return on investment (ROI)

Wood windows offer an ROI of 70-80% of their cost when you come to sell your home. Meanwhile, vinyl windows can achieve an ROI of 60-70%.

The verdict? Both options offer a good ROI, with wood windows gaining a slight lead over vinyl windows.

Aesthetic value

Wood windows are universally loved, offering a warm and natural look to any home. But vinyl windows can look good too and since they’re available in a wide range of customization options, you can find a style that suits your home perfectly.

The verdict? This one’s personal—both wood and vinyl provide stylish options to suit every taste.

Insulation

Did you know that wood is a natural insulator, which helps to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer? Wood frames combined with low-E coated glass or double or triple panes offer enhanced insulation and energy efficiency.

While vinyl may not have the same built-in insulating properties as wood, vinyl windows have many other features that make them a sound choice. They are available with low-E coated glass and double or triple panes, just like wood windows.

The verdict? Both types of windows are available in high-insulation, energy efficient options.

Customization

Wood is a more versatile material than vinyl and offers more customization options—you can stain or paint them to match your personal taste. Of course, you can also leave the natural grain of the wood visible, which adds to their appeal. While you can’t paint or stain vinyl windows, they are available in a variety of styles.

The verdict? When comparing a wood window vs vinyl window, wood will always offer many more customization choices.

Durability, maintenance and lifespan

Wood windows vs vinyl windows are long-lasting, offering up to 30 years life or more if cared for properly. However, bear in mind that wood is prone to rot, warping and infestation by insects so will require regular inspection and maintenance. Vinyl requires far less maintenance, just needing a gentle clean once every so often. However, vinyl windows last on average half the lifetime of wood, from 15-20 years.

The verdict? Wood lasts longer but vinyl requires less maintenance so your choice will depend on whether you have the time to commit to the care that wood windows require.

Sustainability

Wood is a more sustainable material than vinyl since it’s a natural and renewable resource. It’s also biodegradable and has a lower carbon footprint than vinyl which undergoes an energy-heavy manufacturing process. Although these days it’s possible to recycle vinyl windows and use the components for other products.

The verdict? Wood is naturally more sustainable than vinyl and so is the winner of this category.

Clearly, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to comparing wood vs vinyl replacement windows. For expert help and guidance, reach out to the experts at Plum ProExteriors. We have a proven track record of providing both wood and vinyl windows to satisfied customers in Massachusetts and throughout New England—think of us as your local, friendly guide to the best windows to suit your property!

Which option saves you more money?

While it’s true that vinyl windows are the more affordable option initially, both vinyl and wood windows offer great value-for-money over the long term.

Wood windows may last twice as long as vinyl windows, which means that each type offers similar long-term value.

In terms of curb appeal and ROI, wood may have a slight lead. But if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, it’s worth noting that factors such as energy efficiency can be really important to potential buyers. With both wood and vinyl windows available in energy efficient models, both choices are a sound investment in your home.

How each impacts home value

Both wood windows and vinyl windows can have a positive impact on the value of your home.

Wood windows offer instant charm and visual appeal and resonate with buyers who are looking for a traditional, homely property.

Vinyl windows are prized for their low maintenance so buyers who are seeking a hassle-free home are more likely to favor this type.

The National Association of Realtors pitched the cost recovery of new wood windows at 71% for wood windows and 74% for vinyl windows, which shows that both achieve similar returns on investment.

Final recommendation

Deciding whether to go for wood windows vs vinyl windows boils down to personal circumstances and choice since both offer numerous benefits.

Vinyl is a great option for anyone on a limited budget or who doesn’t want to spend too much time on maintenance.

Meanwhile, wood is the perfect choice if you have a traditional home and are looking for a versatile and customizable option.

Understanding the pros and cons of each type of window will help you make an informed decision to find the perfect windows for your home.

And remember that you are not alone—call the team here at Plum ProExteriors for a free, no-obligation quote for replacement windows. Give us a call today to know more about our friendly personalized service, tailored to your unique needs!