Bay vs. Bow
| Bay window | Bow window | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Usually three windows: a large center pane and two angled side windows | Four to six equal windows in a gentle curve |
| Projection | Sticks out farther, sharper angles | Shallower, rounded look |
| Installed price (HomeGuide) | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000+ |
What Makes These Jobs Bigger
- Support. The unit hangs off the wall. It needs cable supports from above or brackets below.
- Roof or canopy. Most have a small roof over the top. It must be flashed and sealed to the house or water gets in.
- Seat and head boards. The interior seat and ceiling board are usually included, but finish and insulation vary.
- Insulation underneath. Old bay windows are often poorly insulated below the seat, which makes them cold in winter and hot in summer.
- Converting a flat window. Adding a bay where there wasn’t one changes the wall structure and usually needs a permit.
Replace the Whole Unit or Just the Glass?
If the frame and roof are sound and only the glass has fogged, replacing the insulated glass units may cost less. If the seat is sagging, there’s rot, or the roof leaks, a full new unit is usually the better fix. A good installer will tell you which you need.
Questions to Ask
- How will the unit be supported?
- Is the roof over the bay included, and what material?
- Is insulation added under the seat and above the head board?
- Will interior trim be matched or replaced?
See the cost guide for prices on other window types.
Request a Window Replacement Quote
Tell us about the windows. A local Broken Arrow-area window company will call or text you back to set up a measurement and written estimate.
Please note: Broken Arrow Window Replacement connects homeowners with independent local window installers. We are not a contractor and do not do the work.