When you are ready to buy replacement windows in Pasco, WA, choosing the right window for your home is the biggest decision to make.

Wood and vinyl are two of the most common window frame materials, but which one is better? We discuss their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What Wood and Vinyl Windows Are

Wood windows have frame materials made out of wood on the inside. This could either be pine or Douglas Fir. The exteriors are wood covered with PVC, fiberglass, or extruded aluminum.

On the other hand, vinyl windows are made of high-quality extruded PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Sometimes, the entire window (except for the glass) is made from this material. Other times, metal or another type of plastic is used for the sash mechanism.

Both Wood and Vinyl are extremely energy efficient

If your decision comes down to energy efficiency, you will have a hard time picking a winner. Both materials perform similarly when it comes to energy efficiency.

Vinyl windows achieve this by filling the hollow inside with foam, and wood has natural insulation properties.

Wood windows are high maintenance

Everything great about wood comes at a cost – you have to maintain them regularly. Wood needs to be repainted or restained every 3-4 years to protect it from the elements.

You might be able to extend the interval by adding aluminum cladding. However, it still requires more maintenance than vinyl needs.

Vinyl can go an entire lifetime without needing painting or sealing. You only need to wash the windows a couple of times a year and do a quick checkup to ensure they are structurally fine.

Vinyl windows are less customizable

Vinyl windows can’t be painted, significantly reducing their customization capabilities. That said, they come in different colors and finishes. Only you might be stuck with whatever you buy.

Unless you don’t mind spending extra on woodgrain laminate.

There are addons that you can color match to your wood floors and cabinets. They come in different wood grains, such as cherry, maple, and oak.

Wood, on the other hand, is far more customizable. You can paint them, making their color and finish more malleable to your needs.

Vinyl windows are cheaper

Finally, cost. Vinyl windows cost about 20-percent less than wood windows. That is why they are so popular.

But the cost is a matter of perspective.

While vinyl windows cost less, they don’t last as long as wood windows. If you install wood windows, it is yours for life, as long as it is well maintained. You might get 20-30 years out of vinyl.

But if you plan on selling your home someday, vinyl windows recoup 73.3% of their cost compared to 72.1% of wood.

Which is Better?

The right answer depends on you. If low-maintenance and cost-effective is your priority, vinyl is better. If you want flexibility and long-lasting, wood is the better option. Both of them will give you premium energy efficiency.

But you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other.

As a leading Pasco WA replacement windows installer, we know how to combine both materials for a home. Reach out to Perfection Glass today for a free in-home consultation. Call us today or visit us here to get started with your window project.