Choosing a window frame material is a trade-off between price, upkeep, looks and how long the frames last. This tool is not a price calculator: it does not tell you how much your job costs. Instead it asks what matters most to you and suggests which of the three main materials, uPVC, aluminium or timber, is the best starting point. Once you have a direction, you can hand off to the matching calculator to see real 2026 numbers.
The three materials at a glance
uPVC is the cheapest and most popular choice at £400 to £1,000 per window fully fitted. It needs almost no maintenance and lasts 20 to 25 years, which makes it the value pick for the majority of homes. Its weakness is looks: standard frames are chunkier than aluminium and cannot match real timber on a period property. Our uPVC windows complete guide covers the specification and pricing in full.
Aluminium costs around 30 to 40% more than uPVC. You pay that premium for slim sightlines, a crisp modern appearance and the strength to carry large panes of glass and wide openings. Frames last 30 to 40 years and, like uPVC, need very little upkeep. It suits contemporary homes, extensions and anywhere you want more glass and less frame.
Timber is the heritage and conservation choice, costing around 60 to 110% more than uPVC. It is the material planning officers usually expect on a listed building or a front elevation in a conservation area. A well-maintained timber frame can last 30 to 60 years, but it does need repainting or re-oiling every few years, so it is the highest-maintenance option of the three.
How this tool weighs your answers
The recommendation comes from four criteria. Your budget priority pulls the answer towards uPVC when cost leads, or away from it when you have room to spend. Your maintenance tolerance matters because timber is the only one of the three that needs regular upkeep, so wanting fit-and-forget frames rules it out. Your property type and any conservation or listed status is the strongest single factor: a heritage or restricted property pushes the answer firmly towards timber, because it is often the only material a council will accept. Finally, whether slim sightlines or large openings matter is what tips a modern, unrestricted home towards aluminium rather than uPVC.
The material is only half of the decision. Once you know what your frames will be made of, the next question is which shape and opening style suits the property, and that is what the window style suggester is for. Between the two tools you should have a clear brief to take to installers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. uPVC is the value pick at £400 to £1,000 per window fully fitted, which is cheaper than both aluminium and timber. It needs very little maintenance and lasts 20 to 25 years, so for most homes with no planning restrictions it is the sensible default unless you have a specific reason to spend more.
Aluminium costs around 30 to 40% more than the equivalent uPVC window, and it earns that premium when slim sightlines, a modern look or large panes of glass matter to you. It is strong enough to carry big openings and bi-folds, and frames last 30 to 40 years with almost no upkeep.
Often, yes, on a front or principal elevation. Councils in conservation areas and on listed buildings frequently refuse standard uPVC and expect matching timber, heritage aluminium or slimline units. Timber costs around 60 to 110% more than uPVC and needs repainting or re-oiling, but it can last 30 to 60 years and keeps a period property in keeping.
uPVC lasts 20 to 25 years, aluminium 30 to 40 years, and well-maintained timber 30 to 60 years. Timber lasts longest but only if you keep on top of the paint or oil finish, whereas uPVC and aluminium are effectively fit-and-forget.