So, you wanna have a horizontal sliding window on your home’s exterior, do ya? You’re not alone. Horizontal sliding windows are gaining more popularity as home sizes get larger. These are also known as “slider windows” by architects.
Adding horizontal windows to your home is a great idea, but you need to know what to expect when buying horizontal sliders. It’s not just about the hardware. You also have to keep an eye on safety, replacement costs, and more.
With all that said, window sizing is still going to be the most important part of your purchasing journey. Let’s talk about what this means for you.
What are the standard horizontal sliding window sizes?
Due to the fact that they are meant to be wider than a standard vertical sliding window, you’re going to notice that the window sizes available tend to be wider. These windows are generally sorted by their widths, not their heights. The sizes below are the most common:
- 36-inch
- 48-inch
- 60-inch
- 72-inch
- 84-inch
All of these standard window sizes are offered in standard window heights of 24, 36, 48, 60, and 84 inches. Basically, if they make a standard curtain height with it, you can expect to find a similar window height.
How big can horizontal sliding windows get?
They can get pretty darn large. Most of the time, horizontal sliders will remain under 100 inches if they are single slider windows. Double slider windows, however, can get as wide as 120 inches or more because there are two different entries to the window.
How small can horizontal sliding windows get?
Horizontal sliding windows generally don’t get smaller than 18 inches wide by 12 inches tall, simply because there is no need for anything smaller. Even then, you may have a hard time finding a window that small at all.
Do sliding windows have to be standard-sized?
Nope! The truth is that there are tons of window manufacturers that can offer custom size windows, in both slider-style and crank-style window designs. If you need something that isn’t a standard window size, you just need to find a manufacturer that can work with your vision.
Are horizontal windows bigger than vertical windows?
It depends on the window, really. Window manufacturers generally offer the same widths in both vertical and horizontal windows. However, there is one exception: 24-inch windows. Simply put, 24-inch horizontal windows are rare because they would look awkward.
For the most part, horizontal windows are good for areas that need a larger window than your typical double-hung sliding window. Single slider windows are also smaller than double slider windows, for what it’s worth.
How much do horizontal sliding windows cost?
It’s smart to keep an eye on pricing due to the chance of needing a window replacement sooner or later. Here’s what homeowners need to know about the average window price on the market these days:
- Typical window installations will cost between $415 to $1250 per window.
- Replacing a window will cost between $150 to $750 per window.
- The price you pay for window installation and replacement will change depending on the area that you live in.
- The price of the actual window will change depending on the brand, custom options you choose, and if it offers excellent energy efficiency.
Don’t be afraid to shop around for windows in your area. Getting as much as five quotes from different vendors can help you save hundreds of dollars on window installation.
Is adding a window a DIY project?
It depends on your skill level and local ordinances. Most people might be able to replace a window if they are decent with tools. However, installation is generally something that is better done by a professional crew.
How can you save money on getting horizontal sliding windows?
The average cost of a window will increase proportional to its size. If you can, consider getting a smaller window. If you can’t, keep shopping around for a more affordable window manufacturer.
It’s worth noting that many window companies also offer a “bulk discount” on windows. Asking for what specials companies offer or if they have a special discount for purchases that involve more than two windows.
Where should you put horizontal sliding windows?
Honestly, this is totally up to you. You can put horizontal sliders anywhere that you could put a vertical sliding window, for the most part. With that said, there are a couple of tips that can help you make your windows pop.
- Horizontal sliders are perfect for areas that are hard-to-reach or that have tight walkways. A horizontal window over the kitchen sink is a common feature in traditional homes because it offers ventilation without having to worry about difficulty opening the window.
- If you want a certain room to have more airflow, then a large horizontal slider window can work better than multiple vertical windows. Imagine not having to open up three windows just to air out a home! It’ll be great.
- Larger horizontal windows are a perfect choice for people who want to let in a lot of sunlight. Need natural lighting at home? Great. Horizontal windows are a smart way to get a timeless look in a traditional home, while adding a modern touch.
- When in doubt, ask an architect or interior designer what would work best for you. Almost any room can have a horizontal window, even a bathroom or a basement. However, you still need to plan around it in order to make it work with your home’s design.
Are horizontal sliding windows outdated?
Absolutely not! If anything, horizontal sliders are starting to become more popular than ever before. They tend to have a more modern look because of the fact that they aren’t your traditional double-hung windows.
What home styles work best with horizontal sliding windows?
These windows can work on any type of house, though it’s worth noting that they can work a bit better on certain home styles than others. Some of the more popular styles to pair with horizontal windows include:
- Contemporary: If your home has a contemporary feel to it, then chances are it’ll work well with windows that are horizontal. This is doubly true if you have a large home that tends to need lots of natural light inside the house.
- Mid-century Modern: Do you have a “Brady Bunch” house? If so, you’re in luck. Horizontal sliding windows are a classic pairing for homes with this aesthetic. It looks sharp in that undeniably retro-modern way.
- Modern: Starkly modern homes and large-scale apartment buildings with a luxury twist tend to have horizontal windows as part of their standard looks. This is because those homes try to put a twist on the typical traditional look of homes.
- Mixed-Use: Are you the proud owner of a mixed-use building with stores on the bottom and homes on top? If so, then you may want to invest in horizontal windows to help keep the overall look of your building more cohesive and unified.
What home styles don’t work very well with horizontal sliders?
It’s worth noting that not all homes are going to be easy to pair horizontal windows with. However, the right maverick can always find a way to make it happen. If you have a home in these stylings, we suggest asking an architect before installing a window:
- Victorian: While many Victorian homes made the switch from vertical to horizontal sliding windows, it always can be tricky to do so without losing the home’s proportions. Vertical windows tend to be a better choice.
- Historic: If your home was designated a historic site in your township or county, you might not be able to get horizontal sliding windows at all due to legal issues. It could actively harm the historic integrity of the home.
- Tudor: Tudor buildings tend to have a very standardized structure that features a strong focus on vertical windows with wooden framing. Having horizontal sliding windows can mess with the overall aesthetic.
- Antebellum South: If your home looks more like a Southern plantation home, then it could have rooms that are too small to look cohesive with wider windows. On a similar note, you might run into the same issue that Tudor buildings have.
In conclusion
Horizontal slider windows are a great choice for people who want to add a little more pizazz to a home, or who want to increase the ventilation they have at home. They are offered in most of the same standard widths of a vertical window.
If you want to install these windows, you can always find an installer near you that offers good prices. Did you recently have this project done? Tell us about it in the comments below.