Aluminium vs Timber Windows in Sri Lanka (2025 Cost & Quality Guide)
December 25, 2025
Aluminium vs Timber Windows in Sri Lanka (2025 Cost & Quality Guide)
Windows bring light and life to your home. The wrong choice means years of repainting, sticky jambs, and regret.
This guide compares the two dominant window materials in Sri Lanka: Traditional Timber (wood) and Modern Aluminium. We'll also touch on uPVC and provide 2025 pricing for all.
Table of Contents
- Overview: Why Windows Matter
- Timber Windows
- Aluminium Windows
- uPVC Windows
- Head-to-Head Comparison
- Cost Calculation for a 3-Bedroom House
- Installation and Hardware
- FAQs
1. Overview: Why Windows Matter
Windows affect:
- Natural Light: Larger windows = brighter interiors
- Ventilation: Cross-ventilation is critical in Sri Lanka's hot climate
- Security: Strong frames deter break-ins
- Energy Efficiency: Good seals keep A/C costs down
- Aesthetics: Windows define architectural style
The Decision Factors:
- Budget
- Maintenance tolerance
- Aesthetic preference
- Climate (coastal = corrosion risk)
2. Timber Windows
Wood Types and Pricing
| Wood Type | Price Per Sq Ft (Frame Only) | Durability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teak (Thekka) | Rs. 1,200 - 1,800 | 50+ years | The gold standard, termite resistant |
| Jack (Kos) | Rs. 900 - 1,300 | 30-40 years | Popular, cost-effective |
| Mahogany | Rs. 700 - 1,000 | 25-30 years | Good for paint finish |
| Nadun | Rs. 600 - 850 | 20-25 years | Budget hardwood |
| Coconut (Pol) | Rs. 400 - 600 | 15-20 years | Very budget, needs treatment |
Prices are for frame only. Add 30-50% for complete window with shutters.
Complete Timber Window Costs
| Window Type | Price Per Sq Ft (Complete) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Wood Casement | Rs. 1,800 - 2,500 | Hinged, opens outward |
| Jack Wood Louver | Rs. 2,000 - 2,800 | Adjustable slats for ventilation |
| Teak Casement | Rs. 2,500 - 3,500 | Premium |
| Teak French | Rs. 3,000 - 4,500 | Full-height, elegant |
Pros of Timber
- Classic, warm aesthetic
- Can be carved/customized
- Good insulation (sound and thermal)
- Can be repainted any color
- Supports local craftsmen
Cons of Timber
- Requires regular maintenance (oiling, painting)
- Swells in humidity, sticks
- Termite risk (especially lower grades)
- Labor-intensive installation
- Drying and warping issues with poor quality wood
3. Aluminium Windows
Understanding Aluminium Grades
| Profile Type | Thickness | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Track (Budget) | 0.8-1.0mm | Rs. 1,500 - 2,000 | Basic, residential |
| Double Track (Standard) | 1.2mm | Rs. 2,000 - 2,800 | 2 sliding panels |
| Heavy Duty | 1.4mm+ | Rs. 2,800 - 3,500 | Commercial, large spans |
| Thermal Break | Special | Rs. 4,000 - 6,000 | Insulated, premium homes |
Finish Options
| Finish | Additional Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Finish (Raw) | Base price | Silver, oxidizes over time |
| Anodized (Gold) | +10-15% | Corrosion resistant |
| Powder Coated (Colors) | +15-25% | Black, white, brown popular |
| Wood Grain Laminate | +30-40% | Looks like timber |
Aluminium Window Types
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding (2-Track) | Rs. 2,200 - 3,000 | Most rooms, easy operation |
| Casement (Hinged) | Rs. 2,500 - 3,500 | Ventilation, opening wide |
| Louvre (Adjustable) | Rs. 2,800 - 4,000 | Bathrooms, kitchens |
| Fixed (Non-Opening) | Rs. 1,800 - 2,500 | Feature windows, views |
| Arch/Shaped | Rs. 3,500 - 6,000 | Architectural features |
Pros of Aluminium
- Zero maintenance (no painting, no warping)
- Corrosion resistant (with proper finish)
- Modern, clean aesthetic
- Thinner frames = more glass = more light
- Factory-made, consistent quality
- Better sealing (with rubber gaskets)
Cons of Aluminium
- Conducts heat (hot in sun, cold in A/C)
- Limited customization (standard profiles)
- Can dent
- Looks industrial if not finished well
- Black colors fade over time (coastal areas)
4. uPVC Windows
A third option gaining popularity:
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard uPVC | Rs. 2,500 - 3,500 | White or tan colors |
| Premium uPVC | Rs. 3,500 - 5,000 | Wood-grain finishes |
| uPVC with Thermal Break | Rs. 4,500 - 6,500 | Maximum insulation |
Pros: Best insulation, no rust, no painting Cons: Limited colors, plastic appearance, expensive
5. Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Timber | Aluminium | uPVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Medium | Low-Medium | High |
| 10-Year Total Cost | High (maintenance) | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | High (oil, paint) | None | None |
| Durability | 25-50 years | 20-30 years | 25-35 years |
| Aesthetic | Classic, warm | Modern, sleek | Neutral |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited profiles | Limited |
| Insulation | Good | Poor (unless thermal) | Excellent |
| Coastal Suitability | Moderate | Good (anodized) | Excellent |
| Security | Strong | Medium | Medium |
| Resale Value | Good (traditional) | Neutral | Neutral |
6. Cost Calculation for a 3-Bedroom House
Typical Window Requirements
| Room | Windows | Sq Ft Per Window | Total Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 2 large | 25 | 50 |
| Dining | 1 large | 20 | 20 |
| Master Bedroom | 2 medium | 15 | 30 |
| Bedroom 2 | 1 medium | 12 | 12 |
| Bedroom 3 | 1 medium | 12 | 12 |
| Kitchen | 1 medium + 1 small | 18 | 18 |
| Bathrooms (2) | 2 small | 6 | 12 |
| Staircase/Corridor | 1 medium | 12 | 12 |
| TOTAL | 166 Sq Ft |
Cost Comparison (166 Sq Ft)
| Material | Rate Per Sq Ft | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Wood (Complete) | Rs. 2,200 | Rs. 365,200 |
| Teak (Complete) | Rs. 3,200 | Rs. 531,200 |
| Aluminium (Powder Coated) | Rs. 2,800 | Rs. 464,800 |
| uPVC (Standard) | Rs. 3,200 | Rs. 531,200 |
Including Hardware (Handles, Locks, Hinges): Add Rs. 2,000 - 4,000 per window = Rs. 30,000 - 60,000 total.
7. Installation and Hardware
Installation Labor
| Material | Installation Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Timber | Rs. 300 - 450 (carpentry work) |
| Aluminium | Rs. 150 - 250 (simpler installation) |
| uPVC | Rs. 200 - 300 |
Glass Options
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear (4mm) | Rs. 100 - 150 | Basic |
| Clear (6mm) | Rs. 150 - 200 | Standard |
| Tinted (Grey/Bronze) | Rs. 200 - 300 | Reduces glare |
| Frosted | Rs. 250 - 350 | Privacy (bathrooms) |
| Tempered | Rs. 400 - 550 | Safety glass |
| Double Glazed | Rs. 800 - 1,200 | Insulation (A/C efficiency) |
Hardware
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Handle | Rs. 800 - 1,500 |
| Premium Handle (Yale/Ozone) | Rs. 2,500 - 5,000 |
| Lock Set | Rs. 1,500 - 4,000 |
| Hinges (Stainless Steel) | Rs. 500 - 1,200 per pair |
| Stay/Holder | Rs. 400 - 800 |
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which is more secure—Timber or Aluminium?
Timber with quality locks is more secure (harder to cut/break). Aluminium can be forced open more easily if not reinforced.
Q2: Can I mix Timber and Aluminium in one house?
Yes! A popular approach: Timber for front-facing windows (elegant curb appeal), Aluminium for bedrooms and bathrooms (low maintenance).
Q3: How often do Timber windows need maintenance?
- Oil finish: Every 6-12 months
- Paint finish: Every 3-5 years
- Varnish finish: Every 2-3 years
Q4: Will powder-coated Aluminium fade?
Quality powder coating lasts 10-15 years without significant fading. Cheap coatings fade within 3-5 years, especially in direct sun and coastal areas.
Q5: What's the best window for A/C rooms?
uPVC with double glazing or Aluminium with thermal break. Standard aluminium conducts cold out and heat in, reducing A/C efficiency.
Q6: Should I use mosquito mesh?
Essential in Sri Lanka. Options:
- Aluminium mesh: Rs. 150-250 per sq ft (most common)
- Stainless steel mesh: Rs. 350-500 per sq ft (durable)
- Retractable mesh: Rs. 600-1,000 per sq ft (convenient)
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