Why Are Wood Windows So Crazy Expensive These Days?

"I mean, I expected it to be pricier than vinyl or whatever, but this is next-level expensive."

Yeah, you're not imagining things...wood prices have been creeping up steadily, especially quality hardwoods. Supply chain hiccups haven't helped either. Still, nothing beats the charm and durability of real wood windows—worth biting the bullet IMO.

Yeah, wood windows definitely have their charm, but honestly, I'm not convinced they're always worth the premium. Sure, they look great and can last forever if maintained properly—but maintenance itself can be a hassle (and pricey). Plus, from an energy efficiency standpoint, some of the newer vinyl or fiberglass options actually outperform wood these days. I dunno...I love the aesthetics, but my wallet and energy bills might disagree.

"Sure, they look great and can last forever if maintained properly—but maintenance itself can be a hassle (and pricey)."

Yeah, I hear you on maintenance being a pain. Last summer, I worked on a client's old Victorian home that had original wood windows. Beautiful craftsmanship, but the upkeep was no joke. They'd neglected them for years, and by the time they called me in, we were looking at some serious restoration work—stripping paint, treating rot, reglazing panes...the works. Turned out great in the end, but it definitely wasn't cheap or quick.

Funny thing though, despite all the hassle, they were thrilled to keep that authentic look. Guess it depends how much you're willing to trade off convenience for aesthetics and authenticity. Curious if anyone's had luck with wood-clad options—like wood interiors with aluminum or fiberglass exteriors? Seems like it could be a decent compromise between looks and practicality.

I've installed a few wood-clad windows (wood interior/aluminum exterior) on a project last year. They're holding up pretty well so far—good compromise on maintenance, and the homeowners liked the look. Still pricey though, but less headache long-term.

I put in similar wood-clad windows (wood inside, aluminum outside) about 3 years back on our own place. A few quick thoughts from my experience:

- Definitely agree they're pricey upfront, but honestly, the lower maintenance has been worth every penny. Before this, we had traditional all-wood windows and the yearly sanding, painting, and sealing was a huge pain. Now it's just occasional cleaning—so much easier.
- One thing I noticed was that the interior wood finish still needs some care if you want it looking pristine. Sunlight exposure can fade or discolor it slightly over time, especially if you have large south-facing windows. Not a huge deal, but something to keep an eye on.
- Installation was straightforward enough, but getting the flashing and sealing right on the aluminum exterior was critical. Had a friend who rushed that step and ended up with moisture issues later on. So definitely take your time there.
- As for why they're so expensive these days... seems like everything wood-related has shot up in price lately. Lumber prices have been all over the place, plus quality wood is harder to source. Add in the aluminum cladding and manufacturing complexity, and it's no wonder costs are climbing.

Still, after dealing with cheaper vinyl windows in a rental property (warping issues after just a few years), I'd rather pay more upfront for something solid that lasts. Just my two cents...

Good points overall, but I'd add a couple things from my own experience. First, while wood-clad windows definitely cut down on exterior maintenance, don't underestimate the interior upkeep. Like you mentioned, sunlight fading is real. I've found that applying a quality UV-blocking finish every few years really helps keep the wood looking fresh—especially if you've got big windows letting in tons of natural light.

Also, about installation: totally agree on taking your time with flashing and sealing. I'd even go a step further and suggest using a high-quality flashing tape around the openings before installing the windows. It costs a bit extra and takes more time upfront, but it's saved me from moisture headaches down the road.

As for the cost... yeah, it's partly lumber prices, but I think manufacturers also know homeowners are willing to pay extra for aesthetics and durability. It's frustrating, but honestly, after dealing with cheaper alternatives that warped or leaked after just a few seasons, paying more upfront seems worth it in the long run.

"I'd even go a step further and suggest using a high-quality flashing tape around the openings before installing the windows."

Definitely second the flashing tape recommendation—seen way too many DIY jobs where folks skipped that step and ended up with water sneaking in. But I'm curious, have you tried any of the newer composite or fiberglass options? I've installed a few lately, and honestly, they've come a long way in terms of aesthetics and durability... might be worth considering if wood prices keep climbing.

Good call on the flashing tape—definitely a must-have step. But honestly, I'm still not totally sold on composite or fiberglass windows. Yeah, they've improved a ton in recent years, and durability-wise they're solid, but there's just something about real wood that composites can't quite match yet. I've installed both types, and while composites are easier maintenance-wise, I've noticed they still don't age quite as gracefully as wood does (assuming proper upkeep, of course).

Plus, if you're dealing with an older home or trying to match existing windows, composites can sometimes look a bit off. Wood has that natural variation and warmth that's tough to replicate convincingly. I get the price frustration though—it's getting ridiculous lately. Still, if you're investing long-term and aesthetics matter a lot, I'd argue wood might still be worth the premium... at least for key areas of the house.

Totally get your point about wood windows aging gracefully—I've seen some older homes where the original wood windows still look amazing after decades. But honestly, composites have come a long way, especially if you're careful with the style and finish. Last year, I helped a friend install composite windows in his 1920s bungalow, and once we painted them to match the trim, they blended surprisingly well. Curious though, have you tried any of the newer composite brands lately? Some seem pretty convincing...