How Much Does a Garden Window Cost?

Common Range: $1,850 to $6,200 Installed

National Average: $4,400, Installed

Updated: November 17, 2023. Written by: Steve Hansen

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Garden Window Installation Cost Range

Most kitchen garden windows cost between $1,850 to $6,200, installed by a local window professional. If buying your own window first, the cost to have it installed is usually around $950 – $2,000 depending on the complexity of the project. If a hole must be cut and framed into the side of your home, installation costs can double.

Garden Window Replacement Cost

You can expect it to cost between $950 to $2,300 to have a kitchen garden window replaced. Replacing a window is generally lower than the cost of installing a new window since the framing, window sill, and trim may be able to be reused. There is also less work involved in the installation process, since a contractor does not have to create a new opening in the wall or deal with the structural issues that can arise when installing a new garden window.

Average Installation Cost

Homeowners pay an average cost of $4,400 for the most common types of vinyl, wood and aluminum garden windows. You can save money by doing it yourself, though installation isn’t always an easy job. On the other end, you can also pay more for a large garden window with premium features such as movable sashes.

Money-saving Tip: You might also save money if you have the garden window installed while doing other home renovations like siding replacement. In most cases of garden window installation, the siding has to be partially removed to install the window.

Average Do It Yourself Cost
$1,200 – $3,300
Average Replacement Cost
$950 – $2,300
Average Contractor Installed Cost
$4,400, Installed
Typical Installed Cost Range
$1,850 to $6,200

garden window with flowers on sill

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Overview of Garden Window Installation

A garden window is essentially a miniature greenhouse built into a window frame and extending out from the home where it can get lots of sunshine. Most are made up of four glass walls and a window frame, with a built-in shelf to hold your herbs, flowers or anything you wish to display in the window. Wood frame garden windows are typically clad with vinyl or aluminum on the exterior for improved weather-resistance.

Garden window frames are available in aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass and wood – the same materials used in popular double hung windows, casement windows and sliding glass doors.

Garden windows are especially popular above a kitchen sink or countertop where the plants growing in them can be enjoyed while working on food prep or cleanup. This is because greenhouse windows are often used for growing herbs indoors, and the kitchen is the most convenient spot to have fresh herbs ready to harvest!

Why Choose a Garden Window?

Here are four advantages of garden windows:

Natural Light – Garden windows offer exceptional natural light, because the top and side panels are all made of glass.

Beauty – Greenhouse windows give natural beauty a place to grown. Whether you add herbs, houseplants, or decorative objects to the window, it is sure to be a mood-boosting feature of the house.

Ventilation – If you choose a garden window with operable panels, opening the sides will provide great ventilation to your home. The side panels will create a cross-breeze so that you can maximize the fresh air.

Miniature Greenhouse – Garden windows have thick glass that allows the sun to warm your home without letting inside air escape to the outdoors. Greenhouse windows help your indoor plants to thrive by providing maximum sunlight with a stable climate.

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Garden Window Cost Factors

What is the overall cost for a fully installed garden window and what determines the cost you’ll pay? Below is a list of factors that will affect the total cost of your project.

  • Installation Details – In terms of garden window cost, the price is much higher for a window when the hole must be opened in the wall and the window space framed in. When the window is framed during home construction or when an existing window is replaced, the cost is much more reasonable.
  • Size – Garden windows can significantly vary in size, and the size of your window will have a big impact on the cost. As you can guess, a small garden window will be less expensive than a big one.
  • Material – The frame material on your garden window will affect the cost of the project. If you choose a budget-friendly material like vinyl, the overall cost of your project will be less. If you’re going for a more elegant style and choose wood frames, be prepared for a higher price and more involved upkeep.
  • Installation – The way you choose to do your garden window installation will be a big factor in the cost of the project. If you hire a local contractor, it will probably be a cheaper installation price than if you hire a high-end window company to do the installation. If you’re ambitious enough to do the installation yourself, the only installation cost will be the price of materials like trim, insulation, and power tools.
  • Operable vs. Non-Operable – Garden windows that can be opened and closed will cost more than windows that are inoperable.
  • Glass – Garden windows with special glass will be more expensive than the simplest units. If you prioritize eco-friendliness, make sure to get glass that is Energy Star Rated. If you live in an area with severe storms, you may be interested in impact-resistant glass.
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Greenhouse Window Costs by Material

The frame material is a major factor in garden window cost. Here are installed prices for common garden windows by material.

  • Wood Garden Windows – $2,950 to $6,000+. Wood is the premium material for any window. Almost all wood garden windows are clad on the outside – meaning the bare wood is covered – by either vinyl or aluminum material.
  • Vinyl Garden Windows – $2,200 to $4,600. Vinyl is the top choice for garden windows because it is structurally strong, offers low maintenance and is more affordable than wood.
  • Aluminum Garden Windows – $1,800 to $4,200. Aluminum is lightweight and strong, but insulation is poor. An aluminum garden window is best suited to mild climates – definitely not a good fit in a cold climate where the chill might damage plants and raise your heating costs.

Several major window brands make garden windows.  Pella, Milgard, Harvey and Simonton garden windows are available, according to Home Advisor. Look at specialty brands too like Solar Innovations.

Garden Windows Cost by Type and Size

These are installed costs. The range includes replacement windows on the low end of the price range and cutting a new opening at the upper end.

Small Medium Large
Aluminum $1,850 – $2,700 $2,550 – $3,600 $3,250 – $4,200
Vinyl $2,200 – $3,150 $2,900 – $3,850 $3,700 – $4,600
Fiberglass $2,450 – $3,3000 $3,050 – $4,000 $3,800 – $4,950
Wood $2,950 – $4,200 $3,900 – $5,250 $5,000 – $6,200
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Permits, Inspection, Labor Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

  • $0 – $200 | If you are replacing an existing window with a garden window, you do not need a permit. Make sure you’re familiar with your local regulations though, because you still need to comply with window safety regulations during a replacement project. If you are installing a garden window that involves constructing a new window opening and structural changes to the framing, you will probably need a permit, which costs around $200.

Labor Cost to Install a Garden Window

If you buy your own garden window for the kitchen and want to hire an installer separately, you can expect to pay around $75 – $80 per hour for the window installer to put in the garden window. This is for the installer and a helper who will be needed to do the job correctly.

Window Installation Time

1 – 2 Days | If you are planning to install the garden window yourself, the project will probably take about two days to complete. If you are hiring a professional installer, they should complete the project within a day.

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Are You a Pro Garden Window Installer?

If so, head over to our Costimates Pro’s page, and help us make this page better and more accurate for both our visitors and your future customers.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

Once you’ve decided on a garden window, the only decision left is about installation. Should you hire a professional or do it yourself? You’ll save in the neighborhood of $500 to $1,000 by our data – Window Price Guide agrees with a top installation cost of about $1,000.

Garden window installation isn’t as simple as a regular window. It requires a bit more skill, a second (or third) set of hands due to their size and weight – and it is even more important to do it correctly. A poorly installed garden window that has gaps or unsealed spots will allow water to seep in and cause damage. Air passing in and out will also cause higher energy costs.

If you have the time and patience to learn this skill, installing a garden window yourself might be the right move for you! If you would rather get the window installed as soon as possible, without any hitches, it’s probably best to hire a professional for this one.

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Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates

steve hansen of costimates-sm Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.

"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."