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Bow Window Prices
Bow window prices encompass a broad price range, but the average price is $1,500 to $3,500 installed. Complex custom projects that involve 6 or 8 bow windows will go well north of this price range. Some of the bigger factors affecting bow window prices include the number of windows involved, the material and dimensions of the frames, the glass package used, the window manufacturer and the overall level of complexity of the installation.
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Click to read our bow window Q & A.
Entry Bow Window Prices
Low end pricing will be a vinyl or composite frame using three windows, along with a no frills low-e glass package. The installation will be straightforward and should be able to be installed by three people in 5 to 6 hours. Read more on bow windows price information
Price Range: $1,500 to $2,500 installed
Standard Bow Window Prices
Standard pricing is for a high end vinyl or mid grade fiberglass or aluminum. At this price point, homeowners should be getting a good thorough install - perhaps not with all the bells and whistles, but certainly a one that will hold up over time.
Price Range: $2,500 to $3,500 installed
Premium Bow Window Prices
Premium pricing can be complex and may involve a series of 5 or more windows. The installation should be very thorough and include a bottom sill pan, aluminum flashing, capping or trim work to the exterior (along with the standard installation steps).
Price Range: $3,500 to $6,000 installed
Bow Window Prices On Installation
Bow window prices on installation will typically fall into the $700 to $1000 range, although projects could be priced out as low as $500 or as high as $2000, depending on the specifics of the install. Find out more on Anderson windows prices.
Frame Material
Frame material is one of the most important factors that affects bow window prices. Vinyl tends to be on the low end, composites, aluminum and fiberglass in the middle and wood at the top of the price range. Cladding such as vinyl or fiberglass on the exterior and wood on the interior is also at the high end and is a great way to go because it provides protection outside and beauty inside.
Manufacturers
There are many companies that produce this style of window. Some of the most popular include Andersen, Soft-Lite Gorell, Marvin and Pella. Andersen and Pella tend to be some of the most expensive, while Soft-Lite makes a heavy duty exterior vinyl frame with a wood interior that is more in the middle range of prices.
Pella Bow Windows
Hi! Have a beautiful Pella Bow in kitchen since the late 90's. Above is a metal cap on the exterior. A few years ago the middle stationary window showed signs of water and eventual blackening and rot on the inside bottom wood frame. I called Pella who told me that it would cost $175. Just to look at it. At the time the local rep was in Hauppauge, NY here on Long Island. They were not very nice on the phone and I continued to live with it. In June it began to leak from above and had to put two bowls down to collect water.
Allstate insurance came in and determined that the leak was an old one and not covered under our policy. Lowes who handles Pella gave us an estimate of almost $7000. Complete. Now Pella sends us a letter w/voucher for up to 45% off qualifying installations. My husband called Pella and they set up an estimate with the guy in Hicksville who I avoided and had called Lowes instead. He has frightening reviews and is supposedly near going out of business.
What do we do from here to replace this gorgeous window with cabinets below, topped w/granite that is custom fitted? Can I buy the window myself and then pray I find an excellent contractor to install? Or give it over to a contractor to purchase and install? I found that a leak can develop after a few years and manufacturer blames installer and vice versa. Now we have the problem and the burden. The entire house has pella windows installed at the same time and are without problems. This bow window has lighting above, southern exposure in my kitchen, and blinds. It is my favorite window and trim matches all of the cabinetry. Thank you.
Lorraine - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Lorraine, that does not sound like a great situation. Ok, so here is what I'm thinking: get the bid from the Pella rep and see what it comes in at. Get a few more bids from good vinyl window manufacturers who sell windows with an interior wood laminate. Buying your own bow window can be tricky because it will likely have to be custom made for the size of the opening. Most companies take the measurements and then buy a custom bow box that fits the opening and then inserts their own windows in on site.
The real cost will probably be in removing the old bow window and completely reframing the opening. You could find a local carpenter on craigslist or yelp who can do that work for you. Obviously one with a stellar reputation and one who doesn't cut corners.
I've found Yelp is a good source to find good local installers who don't have an affiliation with any brands and will do the work ala carte as it is.
I'd get bids from local window companies who sell Sunrise, Okna, Soft-Lite, Polaris, Kensington, Vytex, and Zen. If those don't work out you can try Simonton, Ply Gem, Vinylmax, and Wincore. Google "Simonton windows in Cleveland, Ohio" (if you don't live in Cleveland, use your specific city and state) and see what local companies come up.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Nick - Site Editor - from 2019
Bow Windows Question
Hello Tim,
We have a very large (~138? x ~62?) 6 section bow window that needs replacing. We live outside of Philadelphia. The window is original to the house built in 1981. It is basically 4 lights of double glass, with 1-1/4? wood stiles in between each pane with casements on each end. Two of the sections have failed seals and it is getting iced up with this cold weather.
The biggest drawback to getting it replaced is the amount of glass area we will lose. Do you have any suggestions for what companies to look for that have decent thermal properties without looking bulky and giving up a lot of glass area?
Thank you.
Mari - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
There are two ways to do a bow window. Many manufacturers take the measurements and build the bow window in the factory using a bow box that they purchase from one of the two companies that make bow and bay boxes.
The other approach is for the windows to be installed on site and the frame mulled on site as well. This is often a higher end and more expensive method, but a nicer end result.
There isn't one company that I would necessarily recommend to do the bow windows. I might suggest subscribing to an Angie's List for your area though and get a list of 30 window dealers in your area. I would call each one on the phone and ask them specifically about your project. Ask them how much experience they have doing bow windows and how they do them specifically. I would get a list of five or six from here and then have all of them come out over a week's time and give me a quote.
Bow windows can be tricky business so I would definitely take the time to find a company who uses a quality window and can assure me they know what to do.
Nick - Site Editor - from 2018
[Mari's Response]
Hello Tim, thank you for the information. I just want to clarify what you mean about the second option and the windows being installed on-site. Do you mean that instead of buying a six section bow window in one unit, you would buy 4 fixed glass windows and 2 casement windows and have them framed onsite?
It would appear that this is how the original bow unit was installed. I did a little more research on your site and from the list of best manufacturers, found that Sunrise, Soft-Lite and Okna do sell bow windows. I guess I will compare those units to having it done on-site once I find a few contractors that can do it on-site. Thanks again.
Mari - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
Mari, I was simply pointing out that if you are worried about the loss of glass, you can see if you can purchase the windows and have them custom mulled onsite. Different companies might approach it differently so I would contact a few to find out exactly how they handle their bow windows. Sunrise, Soft-Lite and Okna are all excellent brands and the dealers who carry them should be relatively high quality as a rule of thumb.
Nick - Site Editor - from 2018
Bow Windows Installation
I need to replace my bow window because it is sagging even though it has support brackets below. Before started my next project, I'm trying to understand why the sagging is occurring.
Danny - Homeowner - from 2017
Site Editor's Reply
Danny, many homes don't have proper support beneath the window. When the original bow window was installed, it probably didn't have side support. Brackets obviously provide support, but they need to attached to something strong. For instance, I see a lot of planned homes that used styrofoam or celotex for the exterior sheather. This underlying framing isn't strong enough to support for the bow window and eventually it will sag. Ply wood is a bit better, but really you need something stronger to provide good support.
Without going into too much detail, your installer should take the time to understand what is inside the walls in order to properly reinforce them and hang the bow window. Sometimes the consumer is to blame when they balk at the installation cost. This is where multiple bids comes into play -- if three installers all tell you you need to add support prior to installation, then you know that it's a step you should take to maximize long term value of the bow window.
Nick - Site Editor - from 2017
Six Panel Bow Window
I need to replace my windows fairly soon and have already received some quotes on 15 double hung and 1 bow window with 6 panels, one kitchen window and 1 picture window. My windows now whistle if the wind is blowing. I moved in last year and intend to stay in this home quite some time. I'm looking for good windows, but can't spend a ton of money. I have been looking at Simonton and Great Lakes. Do you have any preferences?
Kory - Homeowner - from 2017
Site Editor's Reply
Kory, there are some excellent choices for mid range vinyl window, all of which should be available as pictures (or fixed frame), double hungs and bow windows. The bow windows will simply be made off site and shipped to your home and then assembled as a unit by your installers.
I think Simonton makes a good window, but I would stick with their mid to upper end windows, the Impressions and Reflections series. Great Lakes makes a good window, but I would stick with their premium model, the ecoSmart.
I like Sunrise and you can stick with their Classic frame. Okna makes a great window, but you might have to stick with their low end 400 series (which is still a darn good window). Wincore is similar to Simonton. Milgard and Amerimax have good mid range vinyl windows that you might also want to take a look at.
Get a few bids from some of these companies (obviously not all of them will service your area, so you will have to do a search for each one to see if a local company carries these brands). Collect your bids, compare the prices and quality of the companies, and then make your decision!
Nick - Site Editor - from 2017
Simonton Bow Window Costs
I'm looking at replacing my bow window for my split level home and I don't know which bid is the best. Here is what I have so far.
United Window: $3,800
United Window: $4,100
Simonton Window: $4,650
Jerry - Homeowner - from 2017
Site Editor's Reply
Jerry, most window companies actually buy the bow box or underlying wood support from one of a few companies, so I'll assume that the quality of the bow window structure is the same. (Some custom bow window projects are made on-site but I'm going to assume this isn't the case here.)
In terms of windows, Simonton is going to be the better option over the United windows. United is considered a low-end brand, while Simonton is considered a good mid range brand. The price difference of $550 isn't that much if you break it down by four or five windows, so I would say the Simonton all the way.
Nick - Site Editor - from 2017