In this post you will learn …
- What is the difference between standard and custom windows?
- Learn about the typical sizes of standard windows.
- How to size for a new window screen.
In the world of window sizing, there’s good news, and there’s bad news. The good news is that most companies, such as Stanek Windows by Great Day Improvements, insist on custom-making your new windows to the precise measurements they take themselves in order to deliver perfection. The bad news is that “standard” sizes for windows, like the sabre-toothed tiger, are more or less a thing of the past.
Today, the word “standard,” when applied to window sizes, usually refers to the sizes listed in the window company’s own catalog. For most window manufacturers, it takes the same amount of time to make a “standard” sized window as a “custom” sized window. And, while we may have the quaint but antiquated idea that anything custom will cost more, this is not always the case.
“It’s always better to have the window made to fit the opening than to have to make the opening fit the window!” says Sven Kramer, National Sales Manager at Great Day Improvements. “When windows are custom-made to the room’s opening, you get a far better fit, less mess, and a much quicker install.”
You can see some common “standard” window sizes in the charts below. These may provide an idea of what sizes builders normally call for, but remember that, when it comes to contemporary window sizes, your imagination’s the only real limit!
Common Window Sizes
Double-Hung Window
- Vinyl
- Width: 1’2.5" min. – 4’6” max
- Height: 1’11.5” min. – 6’6” max.
- Fiberglass
- Width: 1’5.5” min. – 3’11.5” max.
- Height: 2’5.5” min. – 6’5.5” max.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood
- Width: 1’9” min. – 4’11” max.
- Height: 2’11” min. – 10’ max.
Casement Window
- Vinyl
- Width: 1’1.5” min. – 2’11.5” max.
- Height: 1’5” min. – 6’1” max.
- Fiberglass
- Width: 1’1.5” min. – 2’11.5” max.
- Height: 2’5.5” min. – 6’5.5” max.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood
- Width: 1’5” min. – 4’11” max.
- Height: 1’5” min. – 6’1” max.
Sliding Window
- Vinyl
- Width: 1’9.5” min. – 6’ max.
- Height: 1’5” min. – 6’1” max.
- Fiberglass
- Width: 1’11.5” min. – 5’11.5” max.
- Height: 1’1.5” min. – 6’7.5” max.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood
Fixed Window
- Vinyl
- Width: 9’4” min. – 11.5” max.
- Height: 1’5” min. – 6’1” max.
- Fiberglass
- Width: 1’ min. – 9’4” max.
- Height: 1’1.5” min. – 6’7.5” max.
- Aluminum-Clad Wood
- Width: 8” min. – 10’ max.
- Height: 8” min. – 10’ max.
Other Typical Window Sizes
Bay Window
- Width: 3’6” min. – 10’6” max.
- Height: 3’ min. 6’6” max.
Awning Window
- Width: 2’ min. – 5’5-7/8” max.
- Height: 1’8” min. – 3’6” max
Basement Window
- Width: 32” (NOTE: Glass block windows can be smaller and vented)
- Height: 15” min. – 24” max.
Sizing Your New Window Screens
Charcoal Fiberglass
36” x 25’, 48” x 25’, 48” x 100’, 60” x 25’, 60” x 100’, 72” x 25’, 72” x 100’, 84” x 25’, 96” x 100’, 96” x 25’
Charcoal Aluminum
32” x 100’, 3’ x 25’, 4’ x 100’’, 5’ x 50’, 5’ x 100’’, 72” x 50’
Black Fiberglass
36” x 25’, 48” x 25’, 72” x 100’, 96” x 50’
Grey Fiberglass
36” x 100, 5’ x 100’, 4’ x 100’
Naturally, if your windows can be custom-made to perfection, then your window screens can, too. You can also find screening material in long rolls of 100 feet, with widths from 1-1/2 feet to 10 feet in fiberglass and a smaller range in width for aluminum screening material.
The standard sizes for prefab mesh screens are 18” x 14”, 18” x 18”, and 20” x 20”, but there are hundreds of different pre-cut “standard” sizes to choose from, depending on the manufacturer.
Standard Prefab Window Screen Sizes
If all these numbers are giving you a headache, make an appointment for a free consultation with an expert from Stanek Windows. There’s no obligation, and you’ll get all your questions answered for free!