Made of three panes, bay windows are a feature that can improve your home in many ways. If you’re interested in getting these stunning fixtures for your home, then you should know that installing a bay window costs $2,370 on average. However, most homeowners pay between $1,125 to $4,790 for a new bay window.
When you get a bay window installed, you can expect to pay around $450 in labor costs, although this can shoot up depending on the type of bay window, its size, and its complexity.
This pricing guide covers:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Cost Estimator by Material
- Cost Estimator by Type of Bay Window
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Bay Window Replacement
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Bay Window Costs
| National Average Cost | $2,370 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,125 – $4,790 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $725 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $7,700 |
Including labor, homeowners pay anywhere between $1,125 to $4,790 for a new bay window on average, with most paying somewhere around $2,370. However, a bay window project can cost as low as $725 or as high as $7,700.
This huge difference in cost is because some projects only deal with small bay windows made of cheap materials like aluminum, while others involve multiple ornate bay windows made of fiberglass or wood. Suppose you’d like to bring down your bay window installation cost. In that case, you can do the following:
- Buy a bay window made of more affordable materials
- Buy a budget-brand bay window without extra features or intricate designs
- Install only one window at a time, unless you’re planning to have multiple bay windows in the future
- Use standard bay window sizes
- Get multiple quotes from different bay window contractors and go with the most budget-friendly one
Many factors affect the cost of a bay window. Aside from size, material, and type, bay window cost is also affected by labor and miscellaneous fees like cleanup and delivery. Most homeowners will only have one bay window installed, so expect a higher project cost if you want to get multiple bay windows. Additional services will also raise the cost of a bay window installation, such as opening up a wall to make way for the bay window.
Bay Window Cost Estimator by Size
Like most window projects, the bigger the bay window, the more expensive it will be to install it. Bay windows usually come in the sizes 4 ft by 3 ft, 6 ft by 3 ft, 8 ft by 3 ft, and 10 ft by 3 ft, but you can certainly get custom-sized ones installed. However, custom bay windows are going to cost more.
| Bay Window Size | Cost Range Per Unit |
| 4 ft by 3 ft | $700 – $1,815 |
| 6 ft by 3 ft | $825 – $3,000 |
| 8 ft by 3 ft | $920 – $3,215 |
| 10 ft by 3 ft | $1,090 – $4,235 |
Bay Window Cost Estimator by Material
Bay windows come in many materials with different properties that affect their cost. Expect more benefits from a pricier material than one that’s easier on the wallet.
Aluminum
Like most windows made of this material, aluminum bay windows are the most affordable of the bunch. They are lightweight and resistant to bending and warping caused by hot temperatures. They also don’t require a lot of maintenance.
However, they aren’t energy-efficient, as they are less insulating than bay windows made of other materials. If you live in a warmer area, aluminum bay windows may be a great option for you. Aluminum bay windows cost around $380 to $1,975 to install, with most homeowners paying an average of $1,225.
Fiberglass
Costing anywhere from $615 to $3,075, fiberglass bay windows are made of a much pricier material. This higher cost comes with heavy durability–easily being the strongest bay window material–and great insulation.
Fiberglass windows are also low-maintenance and can have a wood appearance, ensuring you get style, comfort, and durability all in one bay window. On average, homeowners pay around $1,845 to get a new fiberglass bay window.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the more affordable window materials, even for bay windows. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance bay window that helps keep your home warm during chilly nights.
However, while vinyl bay windows are energy-efficient, they don’t hold up in warmer climates as well. Vinyl also can’t be painted, leaving little room for customization. Getting a vinyl bay window costs an average of $1,540, but homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $590 to $2,325.
Wood
Wooden bay windows add a classic touch to your home. Aside from being one of the most aesthetically pleasing window materials, wood is also the most customizable; you can get wood bay windows in both standard and custom sizes to fit your home.
However, wood bay windows require more maintenance than bay windows made of other materials. They’re more prone to peeling and warping with humidity and temperature changes, so you will need to stain and seal them more often. Wooden bay windows are also not as energy-efficient as vinyl or fiberglass ones.
If you’d like to get a wood bay window installed, you should prepare to spend around $885 to $3,090.
Bay Window Cost Estimator by Type
There are many types of bay windows, with some being more elaborate than others. Some types also add more square footage to your home. However, these more intricate and useful bay window types will cost more.
The price of your bay window can also change depending on the type of windows you choose for the side panes. You can opt for double-hung windows or casement windows instead of the standard picture windows for more airflow.
Box Bay Window
Box bay windows are usually much smaller than other types of bay windows. The three panes of glass are connected together at 90-degree angles, forming a small box. Similar to garden windows, they are commonly found in kitchens and serve as a sunny area for plants, extra space for small objects and decor, or even a comfy lounge for pets.
If you want a box bay window of your own, expect to pay around $955 to $1,350.
Full Bay Window
Also called canted bay windows, full bay windows are what comes to mind when you think of the traditional bay window. Full bay windows are made of a large center pane and two smaller panes at a 30- or 45-degree angle. They are perfect for homeowners that want to add extra seating or more space to their homes.
However, full bay windows can only be built on the first floor of a house. The cost to install a full bay window ranges from $1,450 to $2,700.
Oriel Bay Window
Costing around $1,515 to $3,700, oriel bay windows are more expensive than the standard window. This is because they have intricately decorated supports that keep them off of the ground. Since they don’t touch the ground, oriel bay windows can be installed on the upper floors of your home. They are quite popular in historic homes, especially those with Tudor or Gothic aesthetics, but they don’t provide a lot of space.
Circle Bay Window
Circle bay windows are some of the most expensive bay windows, costing around $2,550 to $4,400. Why are they so expensive? The panes of glass curve to form a semicircle, and they’re often intricately decorated and taller than the standard bay window.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While the size, material, and style of a bay window are the primary cost factors that affect the cost of a bay window project, they’re not the only ones. Labor, window brand, roof additions, glass, and miscellaneous fees can also add or subtract from your costs.
Labor Costs
With three panes of glass, bay windows are heavier and more intricate than your standard window. They also sometimes need extra work done that other windows don’t need, like opening up load-bearing walls. Because of these factors, there’s more work involved in installing them.
Homeowners can expect to pay around $450 in labor fees for their bay window installation project; however, you can pay as little as $170 or as much as $2,600 depending on the scope of the project.
Brand
Bay window manufacturers have their own pricing schemes depending on the size, material, style, and features that their products come with. Some brands are just more expensive than others. The price of your bay window also depends on the product line or series that it belongs to.
Here are some of the most common bay window brands available on the market and a price range for their products. However, prices may be different depending on where you live.
| Bay Window Brand | Cost Range |
| Andersen | $1,400 – $2,045 |
| Harvey | $1,050 – $1,400 |
| JELD-WEN | $1,250 – $1,890 |
| Pella | $1,350 – $1,900 |
| Simonton | $1,000 – $1,100 |
| Alside | $1,525 – $1,600 |
Window Glass
Your bay windows can have special glass and treatments that can make them more energy-efficient. Although they cost more upfront, energy-efficient bay windows save you money in the long run.
The glass in your bay windows can be double-glazed, tempered, low e-coated, tinted, laminated, and so much more. You can also add more glass panes to your bay windows–up to three glass panes per window pane–to improve its insulation even more. Since bay windows are big, expect these added bells and whistles to cost more than the average window.
Bay Roof Addition
Bay windows need a roof over them to prevent water and other harsh elements from entering your home. If your roof naturally extends over the area where your new bay window will be, then you don’t need to worry about anything. Otherwise, you’ll need to add a bay roof.
You can match your new bay roof to your existing roof or choose a different material for added visual interest. Depending on the material you choose, new roofing costs anywhere from $200 to $3,000 per square (100 square feet) of roof to be added. This price includes labor and materials.
Structural Work
When you get a new bay window installed, you may need to have some structural work done. This may mean opening up load-bearing walls, building new walls, and extending the foundation. These will all affect the cost of your bay window installation significantly.
Miscellaneous Fees
While some contractors include cleanup and waste disposal in their labor fees, some may not. They will charge you a separate fee to clean up after they finish installing your bay window; you can expect to pay around $450 if this is the case.
Aside from cleanup, some bay window installers charge a separate fee for delivery, which depends on your location and how far they are from your home.
Bay Window Replacement
If you have an existing bay window and only want to replace it, then you’re in luck. Bay window replacements are generally less expensive than new installations since most of the prep work has already been done. The cost of a bay window replacement ranges from $985 to $2,450, but you may pay more if you’re making any alterations, such as a change in size or window style.
Related Services
You might be interested in getting these services done when you get a new bay window installed.
Window Replacement and Repair
Since you’re getting a new bay window, why not replace any existing windows that look outdated or aren’t working properly anymore? Professional window replacement costs anywhere from $310 to $1,330, with an average price of $670.
Maybe your windows are in mostly good condition and only need a few repairs. Professional window repairs cost around $170 to $565 or an average of $360, so they are more affordable than a whole window replacement.
Insulation
Whether you’re installing a new bay window or replacing an existing one, it’s important to make sure that the gaps between the window and the wall are properly insulated. Window insulation costs range from $3 to $20 per square foot.
Siding
If you’re making major structural changes to your home in preparation for your new bay window, you will probably want to ensure the exterior that has been changed matches the rest of your home. New siding costs around $2.33 to $15.33 per square foot. If you need repairs instead, the cost of siding repair ranges from $214 to $1,468, or an average of $630.
Drywall
Like with siding, major structural changes might require new drywall. The cost of new drywall is around $1.45 to $3.20 per square foot on average. If any of your existing drywall is damaged, you can repair it too; drywall repair costs anywhere from $250 to $765, with most homeowners paying around $445.
Interior Work
If your house gets an extension because of your new bay window, you have more to worry about than just the exterior of your home. The new interior will need work done so that it can match the rest of the house, or you could revamp the whole room.
You might need a fresh coat of paint. Professional interior painting costs homeowners anywhere between $2 to $5 per square foot. You can’t neglect your floors either; new flooring costs anywhere from $3 to $21 per square foot depending on the material you choose.
Roofing
Getting a bay roof addition might inspire you to give some love to your existing roof, especially if it’s due for a replacement already. Homeowners looking to have their roofs replaced can expect to pay around $8,446, although the typical roof replacement cost ranges from $5,706 to $11,185. Professional roof repair is significantly cheaper, ranging from $348 and $1,186, with an average cost of $767.
Cost of Bay Windows by Location
Like most window projects, homeowners living in colder climates usually pay more for a new bay window than those in warmer climates. This added cost goes toward insulation and energy-efficient window upgrades, like more glass panes and special window treatments.
Aside from your area’s climate, the cost of bay window installation projects also depends on where you live because of different labor costs, local supply chains, regional pricing, and your physical location. For example, it might be more expensive to get a new bay window if your house is in an area that’s not flat. It’s best to contact a pro near you to know how much a new bay window project costs in your area.
FAQ About Bay Windows
Bay windows bring many benefits to your home. Aside from letting more natural light into your home and giving you a better view of your surroundings, they are also an investment. Bay windows are sought-after functional yet aesthetically pleasing features that increase your property value, especially because they provide additional square footage. Homeowners can benefit from the added airflow, too, if they choose to get bay windows that open at the sides.
Bay windows also have their disadvantages. They require a sound foundation and need to be installed properly. Otherwise, they will cause structural problems down the line.
Some bay window materials–like wood–are also less energy-efficient, raising your energy bill. The extra sunlight can also warm your home, which reduces energy costs in winter, but raises them in summer unless you opt for special window treatments.
Depending on the scope of the project and what prep work needs to be done, a bay window installation may take anywhere between a few hours to a few days. Consult a pro near you for a more accurate estimate.
Bay window installation and replacement are both advanced construction projects. It’s not recommended to install a bay window DIY because of how complicated it is and how bad the consequences can be if it isn’t installed properly. It’s more than a little leakage; it may damage your home, especially if you need to open up a load-bearing wall.
Pros that offer bay window installation have the experience needed to safely and successfully install or replace your bay window for you.
You can replace a regular window with a bay window. All a bay window needs is a space that protrudes from the wall.
It all depends on the style of bay window you choose and the aesthetic you go for. However, they generally stay popular because of how much curb appeal and visual interest they add to a home.
Some areas require you to get a permit before installing a bay window. If your new bay window project comes with major structural changes, then you probably need a permit. It’s best to consult a professional and check your local regulations. The price of a permit varies depending on your location.
While bow and bay windows look similar, a bay window is made of three panes. Bow windows, on the other hand, have at least five. However, they both jut out of your home, providing extra space and square footage.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Install Your Bay Window?
While pricier than the standard window, bay windows bring much-needed square footage and visual interest. These benefits come together to increase your property value and curb appeal. If you’re interested in reaping these benefits for yourself and your family, you can contact a window professional near you to add this beautiful, timeless feature to your home.
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