Window Choices
Replacement Windows / Double Glazing: Start Here
Need new windows? This guide explains the different types of replacement windows, what they cost, and how to choose the right option.
Understanding Your Window Options Before You Buy
Thinking about replacing your windows but unsure where to start? This guide walks you through the most common modern window styles — from standard white uPVC to coloured frames, flush-fit uPVC, and popular aluminium options like Smart Alitherm 400 and Smart Heritage. I’ll explain what each one looks like on a typical home, what the real differences are, and roughly what you should expect to pay. While I don’t install timber windows myself, I’ll also touch on why they’re usually the most expensive option — often costing as much as, or more than, aluminium. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which window style suits your home, your budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Before we get into each window style, it’s worth knowing the biggest dividing line: PVCu vs aluminium. Aluminium windows typically cost around double the price of standard PVCu, mainly due to the slimmer frames, stronger material, and more premium finish. Most homeowners choose aluminium when they want a cleaner, more modern look and aren’t satisfied with the chunkier appearance of PVCu. PVCu remains the most popular choice because it’s much more affordable — but aluminium offers a noticeably sleeker frame and higher-end feel.
Standard PVCu Windows (The Most Popular Choice)
Standard PVCu windows are the most common choice for most homes because they’re cost-effective, low-maintenance and easy to live with. They’re always made to measure, generally durable, and now available in a much wider range of colours and finishes than they used to be — not just white and brown. White PVCu is always the cheapest option, while choosing a coloured or wood-grain finish typically adds around 20–25% to the overall cost. As with any window, the size and number of openings will affect the final price, but PVCu remains the most affordable material for most like-for-like window styles.
Standard White PVC Window in White – Budget Figure £500 – £550 Fitted. N.B. Guide Only for this style with 1 opening – Figures inc. VAT
Standard Colour PVC Window in White – Budget Figure £600 – £650 Fitted. N.B. Guide Only for this style with 1 opening. Can be any Standard Colour (greys, browns, blacks etc.) Figures inc. VAT
Flush Casement PVCu Windows (A Stylish Upgrade)
Flush casement PVCu windows are a step up in price from standard casements, and the main reason people choose them is the look. The openers sit flush within the frame, and manufacturers use “dummy sashes” to make every section appear the same size. This gives the window a balanced, even appearance where you can’t easily see which parts open and which don’t. Flush casements work particularly well on traditional properties and can be a good replacement for timber in the right circumstances. They’re available in the same colour range as standard PVCu, and while they do cost more, they generally sit in the middle ground between standard PVCu and aluminium. The dummy sashes make the frames slightly bulkier, which means a little less glass, so they suit some houses better than others — something the images below will help show.
Flush Casement White PVC Window in White – Budget Figure £650-£750 Fitted. N.B. Guide Only for this style with 1 opening – Figures inc. VAT
Flush Casement Colour PVC Window in White – Budget Figure £700-£800 Fitted. N.B. Guide Only for this style with 1 opening – Figures inc. VAT
Aluminium Windows - Premium Option
Aluminium windows are chosen primarily for their appearance. The strength of aluminium allows for much slimmer frames than uPVC, giving a cleaner, more modern look and maximising glass area — particularly effective on large openings.
They do come at a cost. Aluminium windows are typically around twice the price of standard uPVC, placing them firmly in the premium bracket. In return, they offer excellent durability, with rigid frames and long-lasting finishes that resist warping over time.
Colour choice is another major draw. Aluminium can be powder-coated in almost any colour, from contemporary greys and blacks to more traditional shades. Non-standard colours usually carry a premium, unlike white uPVC, which remains the cheapest option.
Thermally, aluminium frames are slightly less efficient than uPVC on paper, but with modern thermal breaks and quality glazing, the real-world difference is small — and for most homes, unlikely to be noticeable in practice.
Traditional vs modern aluminium styles
One of aluminium’s strengths is its flexibility in design. It works just as well on traditional properties as it does on modern homes — the difference comes down to the system and sightlines chosen.
For period-style properties, systems like Smart Heritage replicate the look of classic steel windows, with slim frames and traditional proportions that suit cottages, townhouses and renovations in conservation-style settings.
At the other end of the scale, systems such as Smart Alitherm 400 are designed for a clean, modern aesthetic, with simple lines and a more contemporary feel that works well on newer homes and extensions.
Importantly, these systems are similar in price, so the decision is usually driven by aesthetic preference rather than budget — making aluminium a strong option if design is your main priority.
Smart Alitherm 400 or Heritage – Budget Figure £1400-£1600 Fitted. N.B. Guide Only for this style with 1 opening – Figures inc. VAT