Buying guide
Aluminium window price: what decides the cost, and how to compare quotes
"What's the rate per square foot?" is the first question almost everyone asks about aluminium windows. It's a fair question, but the honest answer is that it depends, and two quotes with the same rate can be for very different windows. Here's what actually decides the price, and how to compare quotes fairly.
What decides the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The system | Heavier, deeper profiles with better seals cost more than light sections, and last and perform better. Slimline, lift-and-slide and screwless systems sit at the top. |
| Size and number of panels | Larger panels need stronger sections and hardware; more panels mean more frames, rollers and locks. |
| Opening type | Fixed glass is cheapest per square foot; sliding, casement, tilt-and-turn and slide-and-fold add hardware and labour. |
| Glass | Plain glass, toughened, laminated, double-glazed and coated glass can change the price a lot. See our glass guide. |
| Finish | Standard powder-coat colours vs special colours, anodising or wood-grain. See finishes. |
| Hardware | Handles, multi-point locks, rollers and hinges vary widely in quality and cost. |
| Mesh and extras | Insect mesh, grills, sills and trims. |
| Site and installation | Floor height, access, scaffolding, removing old frames, and finishing around the frame. |
Why "per square foot" can mislead
A small window has almost as much hardware and labour as a large one, so its rate per square foot is higher. A quote with a low rate may use a lighter section, thinner glass or basic hardware, or leave out installation. Always compare the whole quote, not just the rate.
Checklist for comparing quotes
- Which system or series is quoted, and what is the profile thickness?
- What glass, exactly: thickness, toughened or not, single or double-glazed?
- Which hardware brand, and how many locking points?
- Which finish and colour?
- Is mesh included?
- Are installation, sealing and GST included?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long? Is it written?
- Who measures, and who is responsible if a size is wrong?
Where it's worth spending, and where to save
- Spend on the big openings you use every day (the main sliding door, living-room windows) and on glass for sun-facing and noisy walls.
- Save with fixed glass where you don't need ventilation, standard colours, and simpler systems for small utility windows.
Our quotes are itemised by window, with the system, glass, finish and hardware listed, so you can see exactly what you're paying for. Send your sizes or drawings and we'll usually reply within 48 hours.
