Now is the time for almost every homeowner.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Winter 2025
Although it seems home plans are for the most part getting smaller to align with lot sizes and costs, window designs are headed in the opposite direction. Designers and manufacturers continue to expand the options available to homeowners, offering bigger and better products to meet the changing market demands.
Bigger
“Window size has been growing for a while,” says Curt Kahler of Leachman Lumber. “But it seems like homeowners are wanting even bigger windows than before. Availability of those oversized products varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but every product line offers a variety of those large windows.”
This trend has made it more important than ever for distributors to offer their expertise to both builders and homeowners so that they can choose the product that fits both their design preferences and their budget.
Moehl Millwork’s Will Hipwell says, “The trend toward larger windows is driven by the desire for natural light, expansive views, and a modern aesthetic. But you also need to consider structural support, energy efficiency, and privacy. Larger windows may require reinforced framing or high-performance glass and coatings for energy efficiency. All of these increase costs.”
Mike Kraemer of Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company says, “Added support for framing and wind resistance need to be considered with large windows. We’re also seeing plans where the windows are set closer to or at floor level, which means the glass needs to be tempered for safety, adding to the cost. And there are limits to the sizes available because of glass integrity and shipping considerations.”
Despite those factors, the trend continues, perhaps in part because having fewer windows means homeowners are willing to pay more for the few they have.
“It’s not just the windows themselves that are getting bigger,” says John Murphy of Beisser Lumber. “Bigger arches are coming back, and bigger patio doors, too, as wide as 18 feet, with new designs that eliminate the need for a center post to break up the view.”
Hipwell says, “Bi-fold doors offer seamless indoor-outdoor living, and multi-panel stacking doors cater to the contemporary aesthetic that is popular now.”
Better
In addition to larger sizes, manufacturers are improving the features available on window products. Not only are patio doors available in a variety of styles, the doors also feature improved functionality.
“Options include energy-efficient glass, integrated blinds, smart locks, and durable materials like aluminum-clad or fiberglass for enhanced longevity,” says Hipwell.
“In residential applications, large bi-fold doors and multi-slide doors are growing more popular,” Kraemer says. “I’ve done residential projects with patio doors as large as 28 × 12 feet. With these larger windows, the trend is to use fixed, nonoperating windows in common areas and operating units only in the bedrooms for egress.”
“It’s not just the windows themselves that are getting bigger. Bigger arches are coming back, and bigger patio doors, too, as wide as 18 feet, with new designs that eliminate the need for a center post to break up the view.”
John Murphy, Beisser Lumber
Because these larger expanses of glass do not have to open and close, they naturally offer better energy efficiency and easier maintenance than traditional casement and tilt-open windows. But manufacturers are expanding the features available.
“Smart window technologies are gaining popularity,” Hipwell says. “You can get integrated motorized blinds, ‘smart-tinting’ glass, and windows with built-in sensors that alert you for energy efficiency, security and privacy, and maintenance.”
With all the focus on size and features, the hardware selection is often an afterthought. Murphy says, “There are so many more hardware options available now, as well as color options. Homeowners should be considering the whole product when selecting their windows, especially if it’s a replacement situation. There are screen options, hardware choices, and colors available now that weren’t around when the original windows were installed.”
More
In addition to selecting the size and color for your new or replacement windows, material is a key factor to consider.
“Extruded windows are a popular choice these days due to durability,” says Hipwell. “They also tend to be low maintenance and affordable.”
“Another advantage to extruded windows is that the color extends throughout the product, so if they get chipped or scratched, it’s less noticeable,” Kahler says.
Most products are available in extruded, wood-clad, or vinyl, each offering its own advantages. “Vinyl handles variations in heat and cold weather well. Wood-clad offers the look of wood on the inside with the maintenance benefits of aluminum or vinyl on the exterior. And the extruded offers durability, color selection, and affordability,” Kahler says.
Color continues to be a primary factor in product selection, according to most window experts, with black remaining high on the list.
“Now that availability has returned to normal since COVID, lead times aren’t any different for black than for other colors,” Kahler says.
“In residential applications across the Midwest, black windows are especially popular for modern, contemporary, and farmhouse-style homes,” Hipwell says. “We’re seeing warm, earthy colors gaining popularity, though, especially bronze and dark brown, which offer a softer look that’s still sophisticated and works well with natural wood and stone.”
Murphy says, “Although black and white are still the most common, earth tones are coming back. We’re seeing more sandstone; it’s softer and blends well with the natural exterior materials that are popular.”
If cost is a factor in color or material selection, Kraemer says there are ways to get the look you desire without breaking the budget. “Wood-clad windows cost the same no matter what exterior color you choose, but vinyl windows often have an upcharge for painted exteriors. One way to minimize that additional cost if you prefer vinyl is to use painted vinyl only on the front, with white windows on the sides and rear. That gives you the street appeal you want without paying extra for the windows that aren’t visible from the street.”
Whatever your style preferences, whatever your budget, the window options available are nearly limitless.
As Hipwell says, “Ultimately, homeowners need to strike the right balance between cost, ongoing maintenance needs, and functionality.” •
Resources
- John Murphy Beisser Lumber
- Mike Kraemer Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company
- Curt Kahler Leachman Lumber
- Will Hipwell Moehl Millwork
