Frame Materials

Sash and window frames are typically made of painted wood, wood with vinyl or aluminum cladding on the exterior, solid-vinyl, solid aluminum (use only in warm climates), fiberglass, and new composite formulations (promising--yet largely unproven). If a maintenance-free exterior sounds good to you, look at vinyl and aluminum cladding. The vinyl (or aluminum) is bonded to the wood on the exterior while the interior is wood (often pine). This allows you the freedom to paint or stain the interior as you wish. Vinyl-clad frames are less expensive than aluminum-clad frames. Note that aluminum-clad does not mean solid aluminum--they are very different.

Several wood window manufacturers offer the option to manufacture your window frames to match your wood furnishings or cabinetry. While this can be an expensive option, it may be well worth the coordinated look--especially for a kitchen, library or study with built in cabinets and/or bookcases. Some casement and awning windows can have an optional power system (controlled by a wall switch, remote, or rain sensor) installed either at the factory or as an add-on feature by the homeowner.