Standard Wood Window Sizes

Industry Standards

• The window industry doesn't list or publish any specific standard sizes for wood windows. This frees window manufacturers to produce windows in whichever sizes they expect will sell to homeowners and builders. Wood window producers need to compete with manufacturers that sell windows made of low-maintenance, highly durably materials such as vinyl and fiberglass. While the visual appeal of wood is enough for some buyers, manufacturers also need to be able to meet their size needs to prevent wood window installation projects from becoming much more expensive than other types of window installations due to the lack of certain window sizes.

Common Sizes

• To provide windows that are appropriate for the window openings in existing and new homes and fulfill many design requirements, wood window manufacturers produce many of their windows in several common sizes. These typically range from windows that are 24 inches wide by 38 inches tall to those that are 38 inches wide by 60 inches tall. Other common window heights include 54 and 52 inches, while common widths include 32 and 36 inches.

Fitting Windows

• Wood windows don't need to be the precise size of window openings or perfect matches for the windows they're replacing to fit. Instead, window openings in homes are often 1 inch or more larger than the outside dimensions of the window to be inserted. Wood window measurements always refer to these outside dimensions. This means that when a window is ready for fitting, the builder must use shims to ensure the window is level and secure. Carpenters can add wood trim to make the window appear to be a perfect fit and improve thermal insulation around the window.

Custom Windows

• To take advantage of customers with historic and unique homes, wood window manufacturers often provide custom wood window services. Custom wood windows are made from the same materials as those that come in standard sizes. However, manufacturers can alter the height, width, number of panes and opening mechanism type to match existing windows or emulate a specific window style or design. This allows homeowners to use wood windows to meet specific design needs by forgoing common sizes altogether.