Windows to match original wooden windows?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We need to replace several windows in our house as part of some work that we're doing, and I'm trying to figure out what types of windows to look at. The house is 105 years old and most of the windows are the original wooden windows; four have been replaced in the past with custom wood windows matched to the house. Unfortunately, the places that did that work are now defunct and the few remaining custom window builders in our area are backlogged for months.

Are there national manufacturers I should be looking at that may be able match our original windows decently, if not perfectly? They are fortunately on the back of the house so we will be the only ones looking at them, but I don't want them to look dramatically different.

I'm also debating whether to get aluminum clad windows since the windows we're replacing do have a lot of weather exposure, but am wondering about having to commit to a color for the sashes since we don't plan to replace most of the other windows, so we will need to be able to paint everything else to match. (This on its own isn't a huge issue since we need to repaint anyway, but wondering how that works long-term--do future owners just have to stick to paint schemes that use that sash color?)

For others with older homes--what have you opted to do if you've needed to replace just a few windows? (We don't have the option of working with the existing windows unfortunately; one is being resized due to a remodel, and two need to be changed to tempered glass to meet current code. The existing sashes aren't in good enough condition to make it worth trying to just replace the glass for those two. The other windows in the home are in good condition and we are in a mild climate, so no plans to replace those in the foreseeable future.) Thanks!

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oberon476

5 years ago

I agree with millworkman, and my second call would be to Kolbe

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Comments (14)

millworkman
5 years ago
Marvin would be my first call. I would find a reputable window dealer or full service lumberyard to approach as you would need an experienced millwork dealer.
artemis78 thanked millworkman
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millworkman
5 years ago
I was remiss in not mentioning the same thing oberon, that's what happens when you start the post and come back an hour later, lol.
artemis78
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thanks! Yes, everyone we've talked to so far works with Marvin. Any tips on which of their lines to look at? My head is spinning with all the choices! :D One window is a small push-out casement. The other two will be double-hung windows, both tempered glass. (One of the two is currently a double casement and we could keep it in that style, but we're removing the matching window entirely and one window contractor recommended switching it to double-hung so that we can do frosted glass on the bottom half and keep the upper half clear--all three are in bathrooms, but the small casement is high enough up and far enough from the shower that standard glass is fine.)
heatheron40
5 years ago
We used Kolbe and LOVE them!
oberon476
5 years ago
mwm, I get it, I do it all the time myself!
kats737
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We needed one window to replace glass block in our 1929 Chicago-style bungalow. You can see pics in my profile bathroom album. We went with Marvin Clad Ultimate and it is a nice companion to the existing wood windows that I've refinished. We did have to pick a color and went with white, and although I sometimes think about embracing some other color, it's a very common choice for our area.
sacto_diane
5 years ago
When I did my remodel and was changing he window sizes and locations, I looked for a local company that specialized in wood windows. I was fortunate to find a company in the SF bay area that was able to fabricate a set of triple double hung windows for me. I as working with an architect so I provided then with the dimensions i needed. I was pleased with the end results and have nice new double hung windows that match my original windows, I don't know where you're located but check to see if there are any smaller window makers as opposed to the national manufactures.
artemis78
Original Author
5 years ago
@sacto_diane, I would love to know who you worked with--we are in the SF East Bay and I've been looking for local window shops still in business. (The two near us have both shuttered since we last needed windows, unfortunately.)
sacto_diane
5 years ago
Unfortunately the place I used is one of the placed that shut down. I needed a couple of sashes made recently and I couldn't find the company anymore. It was an outfit called Wooden Windows located somewhere in North Oakland, south Berkeley. I found three other wood window companies in the Berkeley area that I'm currently in the process of seeing if they can make some sashes for me. I don't have any recommendations on the one's I've reached out to as I really haven't gotten very far in the process yet. Plus I'm just getting some sashes made, not complete window units.
eastbay10
5 years ago
Frameworks on MLK in Oakland is a good source. Only one that I have done business with that is still around. Be patient as Ralph the owner does not suffer fools. Just a warning!
artemis78
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thank you @eastbay10--I remember them from when we were getting quotes the last time around, but hadn't picked them up in my search this time for some reason. Will give him a call! We used Sinan's Windows years ago, which was a Wooden Window competitor, but unfortunately I have no idea where the folks from either of those shops landed after both closed. I have gotten recommendations for Portals in El Sobrante, but they are booking a year out, which won't work for our project. Sharing in case it does for yours, though!

ETA: Well, bummer. Frameworks has apparently closed too. :(
eastbay10
5 years ago
Call Matt Delaney. He used to work for Wooden Window and may have been your sales person. He now works for the Marvin distributor, BMD, on Marvin. He may be able to help. 800.545.0367.

Good luck.
artemis78 thanked eastbay10
rosesr4me
5 years ago
I know you live in CA, but there is a company in Tampa FL that restores historic windows as well as builds new wood windows for homes pre-1940's. Wonderful company that is dedicated to preserving historical homes. Not sure if they can ship, but I know that they have an upcoming training workshop in Houston. Historic Wood Window Repair | Wood Window Makeover | United States (woodwindowmuseum.com)