Restoring original timber sash windows is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in an older home. Done well, it preserves historic character, improves comfort and energy efficiency, and often avoids the need for costly replacements. But the question most homeowners ask first is simple: how much does it cost to restore sash windows? The answer depends on two core factors – the condition of the existing windows and the level of restoration you want carried out.
This guide draws on past projects, surveys, and the day‑to‑day experience of Wandsworth Sash Windows to help you understand the costs, what drives them, and which option may suit your property the best.
What Determines the Cost of Wooden Sash Window Restoration?
When you’re exploring how much it costs to restore sash windows, the price ultimately comes down to two things:
- The condition of your original windows
- The amount of work you’d like done
Every home is different – Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian houses and interwar properties all age in their own ways. That’s why a proper survey is always the starting point.
Step One: Checking the Condition of Your Existing Timber Sash Windows
Before asking how much it costs to restore a sash window, it’s important to understand what shape they’re currently in. A few simple checks usually reveal the level of work required.
Check 1: Is the timber soft or spongy?
Timber that feels soft to the touch signals early or established rot. These areas may need specialist repairs or splicing, particularly on the sill or lower rails where water often collects.
Check 2: Are the sashes difficult to slide up or down?
If your windows feel heavy, jam, or hardly move at all, the sash cords may have failed, the pulleys might be worn, or the frames may be out of alignment. Any of these issues will influence the overall cost of restoration.
Check 3: Are there signs of flaking paint or exposed timber?
Bare wood, peeling paint, or cracked putty often means moisture has entered the timber. This doesn’t always mean severe damage, but those areas may require more preparation before repairs can begin.
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, your windows may need more extensive work, which naturally affects how much sash window restoration costs.
Step Two: Deciding the Level of Restoration You Want
Homeowners approach restoration with different goals in mind. Some want a meticulous overhaul that brings every section of timber back to life. Others simply want their windows to work properly, reduce draughts, and feel warmer in winter.
Both approaches are valid – and each comes with its own price point.
The Extensive Restoration Option (£1,000 – £1,500 per window)
Some companies provide a very detailed and intensive restoration service. This may include:
- Burning all old paint back to bare timber
- Re‑glazing and re‑puttying every pane
- Repairing or replacing significant areas of rotten timber
- Applying multiple coats of paint for a fully renewed finish
This is the most comprehensive route available. It effectively brings your window back to its original state, but it’s also the most expensive option, typically costing £1,000 – £1,500 per window (one window = one top sash and one bottom sash). Wandsworth Sash Windows does not offer this level of extensive restoration, as the company specialises in other important areas, but it’s a useful benchmark when comparing options.
The Draught‑Proofing Restoration Option (£400 – £500 per window)
For many homeowners, the main goal is simple: a warmer, more comfortable room. If this is your priority, draught‑proofing restoration offers excellent value.
At Wandsworth Sash Windows, this service typically includes:
- Installing new staff and parting beads with built‑in draught excluders
- Re‑cording the sashes so they glide smoothly again
- Refitting or upgrading the ironmongery so the windows close tightly
- Improving heat retention and reducing outside noise
This option focuses on function, comfort, and energy efficiency – making it ideal for windows that are already in reasonable condition. The typical cost is £400 – £500 per window, and it remains one of the most popular and cost‑effective restoration approaches in London.
Case Study: Draught‑Proofing a Victorian Home in Fulham
Ms H’s property is a traditional Victorian terraced house in Fulham, just off Wandsworth Bridge Road. She was in the middle of completing a large restoration project, with only a few weeks to completion, and her wooden sash windows were already in a relatively good condition. Her requirement was therefore for the restoration of her sash windows.
We completed the initial survey within a few days of receiving the initial enquiry. The same as all the surveys we carry out, this inspection was done free of charge and with no obligation.
As a result of the client’s requirements, we quoted our sash window draught-proofing restoration option, which was accepted shortly after sending the quote. We completed the work shortly afterwards, and the client was very happy with the end result.
Our sash window draught-proofing restoration option does not include any painting, but Ms H required this as part of the work. We therefore recommended a highly skilled local painter whom we often work with to carry out this element.
Is Restoration Always Cheaper Than Replacement?
Not always – and this is an important point. There comes a stage where the timber is too damaged, or the window is too far gone for restoration to remain economical.
If your windows are severely rotten or you’re aiming for a complete transformation, you may want to explore sash window replacement options, but sash window repairs are also just as viable for longevity.
Both routes preserve the original look of your home, but the right solution depends on budget, condition, and long‑term goals.
Understanding Your Options
Many homeowners search for guidance on how to restore old sash windows or how to restore wood window frames. The truth is that restoration isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all process. The right steps depend entirely on the existing condition.
For windows in good structural shape, draught‑proofing and re‑cording may be all that’s required. For older properties with decades of wear and tear, deeper intervention may be needed.
This is why the initial survey – free, detailed, and carried out by an experienced specialist – forms the foundation of every project.
Common questions
To answer the most common questions:
- How much does it cost to restore sash windows? Typically between £400 and £1,500 per window, depending on the work required.
- How much does it cost to restore sash windows near me? Prices vary by region, but in London, the £400-£500 draught‑proofing range is standard for functional restoration.
- How much does it cost to restore a sash window fully? Extensive restoration can reach £1,000-£1,500 per window.
When to Consider Sash Window Replacement Instead
If your windows show severe rot, structural instability, broken glazing bars, or significant water damage, restoration may no longer provide the most economical or long‑lasting result. In these cases, replacement sash windows – created to match your originals – can give you decades of performance and a finish identical to traditional joinery.
How We Can Help
Sash window restoration is a balance between preservation, practicality, and budget. Whether you choose functional draught‑proofing or a more intensive overhaul, understanding the condition of your windows is the first step toward choosing the right solution.
Wandsworth Sash Windows brings decades of experience to every survey and can help you decide whether sash window repair, restoration, or full sash windows replacement will give you the best long‑term value. If you’d like tailored advice or a detailed quotation, reach out to us for a free consultation.