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How Much Do Black Windows Cost? 7 Factors to Consider

How Much Do Black Windows Cost? 7 Factors to Consider

Black windows have become a growing trend in home design. They offer significant benefits in curb appeal and for the overall aesthetics of your home. 

However, black windows usually demand higher prices than other choices. But how much do black windows cost precisely?

Well, it depends. Compared to traditional white windows, black windows can reach dramatically higher costs. Expect a price bump of 20% on the low end. On the higher end, they can prove more than twice as expensive.

A lot goes into the pricing process. Here are seven factors to consider when weighing the cost of black windows:

Factor #1 – Materials

Not every black window is the same. You have a wide variety of choices when it comes to your home, and each product has a different composition. 

The diversity in selection often comes down to materials. What materials are used to make your black windows? The answer to that question will go a long way in determining your overall price.

For instance, a comparison included here outlines the wide price variance you get from the different choices in black windows:

  • Wood interior, vinyl exterior (Anderson): $120-$340
  • Wood interior, aluminum exterior (Marvin): $350-$750
  • Fiberglass composite: $600-$1,000

As you can see in just this brief example, you can see significant swings in price just by choosing different materials. 

Things start on the cheaper end of the spectrum at just over $100 for a vinyl exterior. But the costs accelerate significantly from there.

You can see how material expenses skyrocket to nearly ten times that low-end amount by selecting the fiberglass option.

Factor #2 – Coloring Technique

You have one straightforward option in your quest for black windows. Buy some black paint and apply it to your current frames. Depending on the size of the project, you might be able to get the cost of materials under $100.

Of course, you might not get the impact you desire. Instead, you’re likely looking for black windows because you want to make a dramatic statement. Even though you want to stay within a budget, you’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest possible option.

As a result, it’s essential to look at how the windows receive their color. Paint is one option (even if it’s done at a factory). However, this color can fade over time. Eventually, you’ll lose that dramatic impact you wanted.

There are other options to consider. You can go with gel-coated windows or vinyl foil wrap. However, these more advanced techniques can add to the overall cost.

Don’t dismiss these more expensive options, however. They can provide more value in the long run. You’ll get more durability from the product as a whole. 

Research is the key here. It’s important to understand the details of the windows you are considering. Look at them with a long-term view and understand the pros and cons of each manufacturing technique.

Factor #3 – Design

When making a budget, consider the overall project. The design of your windows matters a lot in determining the price. 

Are you ordering something prefab? Or do you need a custom job? The costs will jump dramatically if you require something unique. 

An intricate window design will add to your costs. In addition, the simple factor of size can contribute enormously to the bottom-line total. The bigger the window, the higher the final bill will get. 

Factor #4 – Size of the Overall Project

I’ve broken down the influence of design on the cost of black windows. There’s another similar factor to consider. Along the same lines, if you need multiple new windows, the expense can mount quickly. 

The main draw of black windows comes from their stunning appearance. They work as a tasteful upgrade to your home. However, that means you can’t take a strictly functional approach to the situation.

Say you had traditional white windows. One of them breaks. You need to replace it, and you’re interested in switching to black windows. 

You can’t just replace that single window. A switch to black windows means replacing at least some of your other windows as well. This way, you can create the desired cosmetic effect. 

Suddenly, a simple repair project has become a more involved upgrade.

Factor #5 – General Expense to Produce

Black windows can outprice the white alternative for a simple reason: they cost more to make. The added pigment necessary to produce the color contributes to a higher cost.

Do you want to create a lab in your basement to research cheaper manufacturing processes for black windows? Probably not. Barring that level of innovation, you’ll have a hard time cutting the production costs.

That said, you do have choices. Not every black window is the same. If you want to take advantage of this style, take the added production cost in mind. 

Bottom line: you might be able to save money by choosing the right product for you.

Factor #6 – Overall Supply

I don’t expect you to be an economic expert to pick out a set of windows. However, you should keep in mind the fundamental dynamics of any price. In short, remember the concepts of supply and demand.

These factors play a significant role in setting the price of black windows. Fewer companies make the black version. As a result, you have limited choices when it comes to picking out these products. 

This market situation gives the black-window manufacturers increased pricing power. They can charge more because of the limited supply.

This part of the equation should be corrected over time. As more manufacturers enter the market, the price should come down. 

Does that mean you should wait for these economic forces to take hold? No, not necessarily. 

However, if you can afford to be patient, you can often get a better value. Of course, this isn’t always possible. But absent any particular time pressure, you can wait to pounce on sales and other drops in price.

Factor #7 – Installation

When you pay for windows, you buy more than the product itself. You need to get those windows from the showroom floor onto your house. As a result, installation becomes a key portion of the total cost. 

However, this part often gets left out of people’s initial price comparison. Many homeowners shop around for the right materials, forgetting to budget for installation as well. As a result, they end up with sticker shock when the final tally gets revealed.

Avoid this by understanding the total package. As you make your estimates, ask about installation costs as well. 

Create a total budget for the process and then use that calculation as a guideline. To get the expert installation you need, you might have to choose more economical materials or scale back on the ambition of your project.

How Much Are Black Windows vs. White?   

Any home improvement project comes down to a balance. You want to find an equilibrium between the cost of the venture and the value it creates for your home. 

This dynamic becomes important when comparing prices between black and white windows. The black version can add value to your home and generate a better living experience for you. But you need to consider your budget along the way.

The question becomes much more complicated than asking, “how much do black windows cost?” After all, you can influence this answer through targeted research. 

Some factors, like the economic pressures influencing prices, remain out of your control. However, you can guide other functions that go into the final bill. 

Consider the best materials, insist on the most efficient design, and understand the impact of installation costs. With these elements in mind, you can purchase the perfect black windows for your home.

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.