Pros and Cons of Vinyl and Wood Window Frame Materials

Choosing a quality window frame material for your home is an investment. A common question we get from clients is whether vinyl or wood window frame materials are better suited for their homes. The answer depends on what you are looking for in a window frame material, the style of your house, and how much maintenance you’re willing to sign up for.

Below, you will find the pros and cons of vinyl and wood frame materials so that you can make an informed decision for your next home improvement project. If you have any lingering questions, you can always consult with your local building materials supplier.

Vinyl Window Frames

If you are looking for a low maintenance window frame material, you probably will be interested in vinyl. For example, choosing vinyl means you won’t have to deal with the hassle of painting or staining window frames. This makes vinyl windows ideal for busy homeowners who don’t have the time to maintain their window frames. If your vinyl window frames become covered with dust and dirt, simply clean with soap and water.

Vinyl framed windows are durable, making them resistant against the harsh Michigan summers and winters. Weather resistant window frames are useful in the state of Michigan where the weather is always changing. While vinyl windows are weather resistant, they will discolor in intense heat. Since they can’t be repainted, you will have to replace the entire window frame.

Unlike wood window frames, your new vinyl window frames are protected against rot. Vinyl windows are also the most inexpensive window frame material, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious customers. However, vinyl windows offer little resale value compared to wood window frames.

An experienced building products supplier will be able to help you navigate the pros and cons of vinyl window frames to help you determine the right choice for your home.

Wood Window Frames

Wood window frames add a classic style to any home, which is why they are also commonly used inside the home. Another benefit of wood window frames is that they don’t transmit as much heat and cold as other window frame materials. Wood framed windows are also able to last a lifetime if given the proper maintenance, making them worth their high initial cost.

While wood window frames are known for their natural and rugged aesthetic, they are also high maintenance. For example, wooden materials are more at risk for window frame damage from insect activity and rot. Fortunately, a coat of paint can help repel insects. Out of all the types of window frame materials, wood is the most accepting of paint. To retain their function and appearance, regular wood window frame maintenance is required. For any maintenance questions, you can always ask a reputable building supply company.

Making a Decision

Whether you choose vinyl or wood window frames for your home, it’s important to think carefully about the pros and cons before making a decision. Ask yourself how much time you want to take away from your weekends to do window frame maintenance or how much value you find in a classic aesthetic. While you can also consult with a professional building products company, some of these questions you will have to answer for yourself.

Eikenhout is a building supply company that is dedicated to helping homeowners and contractors find high-quality building products for their next project. If you are interested in our inventory of residential and commercial building supplies, please feel free to call any of our nine Michigan locations.