For centuries, windows were primarily built from wood due to its ease of availability. Over the past several decades, other types of materials have made their way to the forefront, and many manufacturers now a wide range of replacement windows that look like wood.

Whether you’re replacing all of the windows in your home to create a more elegant look or want to enhance the front of your home with a panoramic picture window, you have a few options when it comes to durable materials that offer a wood-like appearance—vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum. Before we discuss each of these options, let’s quickly take a look at the pros and cons of wood windows.

Pros and Cons of Wood Windows

If you’ve ever lived in an older home, wood windows might bring to mind an outdated pulley system, cool drafts during the winter, and windows that were swollen shut during the summer. While today’s wood windows have come a long way, they still have a few drawbacks.

  • Pro—Customization: If you’re looking to build character, you can easily paint, stain, or repaint wood windows to achieve your desired aesthetic.
  • Pro—Insulation: Wood windows provide an efficient insulation barrier to keep the air inside your home from escaping, and they prevent outside air from getting inside.
  • Pro—Environmentally-Friendly: When it comes to “going green,” wood is the obvious choice since it is made from natural materials.
  • Con—Moisture: Although wood windows can withstand changes in temperature, they are more vulnerable to moisture than other types of materials.
  • Con—Maintenance: Wood windows require painting or staining on a regular basis to prevent them from rotting.
  • Con—Cost: The initial cost of wood windows is much higher than windows made of vinyl or fiberglass.

Best Options for Replacement Windows that Look Like Wood

Have you decided that wood windows are not the best choice for your home? Thankfully, you have other options. Vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum wood clad windows deliver exceptional durability and energy efficiency, as well as numerous additional benefits.

  • Vinyl Windows: Whether you have a tight remodeling budget or are looking for windows that will look great for years, vinyl is a perfect choice. Not only are vinyl windows one of the most cost-effective options, but they are also virtually maintenance-free so you get the most out of your long-term investment.

    • Many manufacturers made vinyl windows that resemble real wood, in addition to your choice of style, color, size, and options. As opposed to wood windows, vinyl stands up to harsh weather conditions in nearly any climate and provides a protective barrier to help reduce your energy costs.

  • Fiberglass Windows: For a window with a wood-like appearance that is versatile, easy-to-use, and provides superior performance, fiberglass is your best bet. Fiberglass window frames are resistant to swelling, rotting, and warping, and they are built to expand and contract at about the same rate as the glass. Both of these factors help improve energy efficiency and strength.

    • In addition, fiberglass windows are low-maintenance and available in a wide range of long-lasting colors. However, unlike vinyl, fiberglass provides you with the option to quickly change the look of your home by repainting, should you choose to do so.

  • Aluminum Wood Clad Windows: With aluminum wood clad windows, you get the best of both worlds—the elegance of traditional wood to enhance your home’s interior and a low-maintenance window thanks to the weather-resistant aluminum on the exterior.

Are you ready to invest in replacement windows that look like wood? If so, contact the professionals at Design Windows and Doors for a wide selection of high-quality products from leading manufacturers such as Simonton windows and Milgard windows. With more than 40 years of combined industry experience, you can count on our team to deliver a flawless installation and customer-focused service no matter the size or scope of your project.

Call us today to learn more about our window products or fill out our quick online form to request a free, in-home project estimate right now.