Vinyl or wood for windows and doors

Vinyl and wood are the most common materials for windows and doors, in new construction and in replacement. Both have real strengths. The choice comes down to what you value most.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows and doors are made mostly from extruded polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, a rigid man-made material, with other plastics and metal used for sashes and fittings.

Vinyl conducts heat and cold slowly, so it insulates well. Most vinyl frames are hollow, however, which allows some transfer of temperature between inside and out.

Because vinyl is synthetic and easily mass-produced, it usually costs considerably less. It was once available in only a few colors, which gave it a poor reputation for appearance. Today it comes in a wide range of colors and styles.

Vinyl never needs sealing or repainting. The other side of that is permanence: the color you choose at the start is the color you keep.

Wood

Wood windows and doors are usually Douglas fir or pine on the inside, often clad on the outside in PVC, aluminum or fiberglass.

Wood is a natural insulator. It slows the transfer of heat and cold, keeping outside temperatures out and conditioned air in. It is also classically handsome, and it can be stained or painted to suit many styles of house.

Wood costs more, because it is more expensive to make and always in demand. It also needs care. Wood should be repainted and resealed regularly, as it can rot and warp with wet weather and large swings in temperature.

At a glance

• Insulation: both good; wood naturally, vinyl through its low conductivity.
• Appearance: wood is traditional and can be refinished; vinyl now comes in many colors, fixed for life.
• Cost: vinyl is generally less expensive.
• Maintenance: vinyl needs almost none; wood needs regular painting and sealing.

If classic character and the freedom to refinish matter most, wood is the natural choice. If value and minimal upkeep come first, vinyl makes strong sense.