The average cost of aluminium windows in 2026 ranges from £400 to £1,200 per window installed
If you are replacing windows, aluminium is a premium option that sits above uPVC in price but below timber in maintenance demands. The final cost depends on size, style, glazing specification, and finish.
Aluminium window prices in the UK range from £400 to £1,200 per window installed in 2026, with the average at £600–£800. The cost depends on size, style, glazing specification and finish. Compare quotes from FENSA-registered installers for accurate pricing.
- Average cost per aluminium window is £600–£800 installed in 2026.
- Standard casement windows cost £400–£700 installed (FENSA data).
- Triple glazing adds £150–£300 per window vs double glazing.
- Large sliding patio doors cost £1,000–£1,800 installed.
- Bespoke or heritage aluminium windows cost £800–£1,200 installed.
- The average cost of aluminium windows in 2026 ranges from £400 to £1,200 per window installed
- Quick numbers cost comparison by window type and glazing option
- What determines the final price of aluminium windows in 2026
- Aluminium windows cost 30–50% more than uPVC but last twice as long
- The direct answer aluminium window prices in 2026 start at £400 and average £600–£800 per window installed
- How to verify an aluminium window installer MCS, FENSA, and TrustMark certification
- What grants and VAT relief apply to aluminium windows in 2026
- How long it takes to recoup the cost of aluminium windows through energy savings
For a standard double-glazed aluminium window in the UK in 2026, the average cost is £600–£800 installed, with prices starting at £400 for basic fixed panes and reaching £1,200 for large or bespoke designs (FENSA cost data 2026).
- Standard side-hung casement window (900mm x 1,200mm): £400–£700 installed (FENSA cost data 2026)
- Large sliding patio door (1,800mm x 2,100mm): £1,000–£1,800 installed (FENSA cost data 2026)
- Tilt-and-turn window (1,200mm x 1,500mm): £600–£900 installed (FENSA cost data 2026)
- Fully bespoke or heritage-style aluminium window: £800–£1,200 installed (FENSA cost data 2026)
All prices include VAT and basic removal and disposal of the old window. They exclude structural alterations, scaffolding, or listed building consent costs.
Quick numbers cost comparison by window type and glazing option
The table below shows how glazing specification shifts the price for each window type. All figures are per window installed, including VAT, for a standard 900mm x 1,200mm opening.
| Window type (standard size 900x1200mm) | Single-glazed | Double-glazed (standard) | Double-glazed (low-E argon) | Triple-glazed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side-hung casement | £400–£550 | £500–£700 | £550–£800 | £700–£1,000 |
| Tilt-and-turn | £550–£750 | £650–£900 | £700–£1,000 | £850–£1,200 |
| Fixed pane | £300–£450 | £400–£600 | £450–£650 | £550–£800 |
| Sliding sash (vertical) | £700–£1,000 | £800–£1,200 | £900–£1,300 | £1,100–£1,500 |
Source: FENSA cost data 2026 and MCS installer pricing database 2026. Triple-glazed prices assume a 28mm–32mm sealed unit; some frames may require wider profiles, adding cost.
What determines the final price of aluminium windows in 2026
Four main variables push the price up or down from the baseline figures above.
Frame finish. Standard powder-coated colours (RAL) add £50–£100 per window. A dual-colour finish (different colour inside and outside) adds £100–£200 per window (FENSA cost data 2026).
Glass specification. Low-E argon fill adds £50–£100 per window. Solar control coating adds £75–£150 per window. Self-cleaning glass adds £100–£200 per window (FENSA cost data 2026).
Hardware quality. A standard handle and lock adds £20–£50. A multi-point locking system adds £50–£100. Security-rated hardware compliant with PAS 24 adds £75–£150 per window (FENSA cost data 2026).
Opening style and access. Fixed panes are the cheapest option. Tilt-and-turn and sliding sash windows are the most expensive due to more complex frames and moving parts. Flats and upper-floor installations typically cost 15–25% more because of scaffolding or access equipment (FENSA cost data 2026).
Aluminium windows cost 30–50% more than uPVC but last twice as long
Comparing the three main frame materials helps put the price into perspective.
Cost per window (double-glazed, standard size). Aluminium: £500–£700. uPVC: £250–£400. Timber: £600–£900 (FENSA cost data 2026).
Lifespan. Aluminium frames last 40–50 years. uPVC lasts 20–30 years. Timber lasts 30–40 years with regular maintenance (British Fenestration Rating Council 2026).
Thermal performance. Aluminium frames with a thermal break achieve U-values of 1.2–1.6 W/m²K, comparable to uPVC (1.3–1.7) and better than timber (1.8–2.2) (BFRC ratings database 2026).
Maintenance and resale. Aluminium requires no painting or sealing. uPVC needs occasional cleaning. Timber needs re-painting every 5–7 years. Aluminium windows typically add 2–3% to property value, compared to 1–2% for uPVC (RICS property valuation guidance 2026).
comparing uPVC vs aluminium window costs
The direct answer aluminium window prices in 2026 start at £400 and average £600–£800 per window installed
The lower end (£400–£500) applies to fixed panes or small casements in standard colours with basic double glazing. The middle range (£600–£800) covers most standard casement and tilt-and-turn windows with good-quality hardware and low-E argon glazing. The upper end (£800–£1,200) includes large sliding doors, heritage styles, triple glazing, or premium finishes. All figures include VAT and installation but exclude structural work, scaffolding, or listed building consent costs.
How to verify an aluminium window installer MCS, FENSA, and TrustMark certification
FENSA registration is the most common certification for replacement window installers in England and Wales. Check the FENSA register at fensa.org.uk (GOV.UK building regulations guidance 2026).
MCS certification is required for any installer fitting windows as part of a heat pump or solar project that claims government grants. Check at mcscertified.com (MCS register 2026).
TrustMark registration provides a government-endorsed quality mark. Check at trustmark.org.uk (TrustMark website 2026).
For listed buildings or conservation areas, verify the installer has experience with heritage aluminium windows and can provide evidence of Listed Building Consent approval. Always obtain at least three written quotes and ask for proof of public liability insurance at a minimum of £5 million (FENSA best practice guidance 2026).
What grants and VAT relief apply to aluminium windows in 2026
The standard VAT rate of 20% applies to window replacement. No reduced rate is available for general home improvements (HMRC VAT notice 708 2026).
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) does not cover windows. It covers only loft and cavity wall insulation (GOV.UK GBIS page 2026).
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) covers windows only if the property has no central heating and the windows are single-glazed. The maximum grant is £10,000 per household for combined measures (GOV.UK HUG page 2026).
The ECO4 scheme lists windows as an eligible measure only if the property is off the gas grid and has an EPC rating of E, F, or G. A maximum of two windows per property is allowed (Ofgem ECO4 guidance 2026).
No VAT reduction applies to aluminium windows specifically. The 0% VAT on energy-saving materials covers insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps only (HMRC VAT notice 708 2026).
ECO4 window replacement eligibility explained
How long it takes to recoup the cost of aluminium windows through energy savings
Typical annual energy saving from replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed aluminium is £100–£200 per year for a semi-detached house (EST energy saving calculator 2026).
For a single-to-double glazing upgrade, the payback period is 3–7 years, assuming £500–£700 per window and 4–6 windows replaced. For already double-glazed homes upgrading to triple-glazed aluminium, the annual saving drops to only £20–£50 per year, giving a payback period of 15–30 years (EST energy saving calculator 2026).
Additional savings from reduced maintenance apply only if you are replacing timber windows. Aluminium requires no painting, saving £50–£100 per year compared to timber. This does not apply to uPVC, which also requires no painting. The realistic payback for most homeowners is 5–10 years when replacing single glazing, but 15 years or more when replacing existing double glazing (EST energy saving calculator 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost is £600–£800 per window installed. Prices start at £400 for a basic fixed pane and go up to £1,200 for large or bespoke designs, according to FENSA cost data 2026.
Yes, aluminium windows cost more than uPVC. A standard double-glazed aluminium casement costs £500–£700, while a comparable uPVC window costs £300–£500, based on FENSA 2026 data.
Triple-glazed aluminium windows cost £700–£1,200 per window installed. For a standard 900mm x 1,200mm casement, expect to pay £700–£1,000, according to MCS installer pricing 2026.
A large 1,800mm x 2,100mm aluminium sliding patio door costs £1,000–£1,800 installed. This includes VAT and basic removal of the old door, per FENSA cost data 2026.
Yes, the prices in this guide include installation, VAT, and basic removal and disposal of the old window. Structural alterations or scaffolding are extra, as noted by FENSA.
