Updated 27 September 2026
Paint timber windows (exterior) cost UK 2026
The going rate for paint timber windows (exterior) in 2026 is £130–£500/window (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£130–£500/window
Worked example, 6 window£1,090
Time on site3.5 days
Paint timber windows (exterior) calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market band source: Checkatrade.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Set up ladders or tower | 1 h |
| prep | Scrape, sand, fill and spot-prime | 1.2 h per window |
| paint | Undercoat and top coat, cut to glass | 1.7 h per window |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior window primer, undercoat and gloss (per window) per window | £8 Trade exterior gloss system — Three-coat system, about ⅓ L a window | £12 Dulux Weathershield system — Flexes with timber movement | £18 Sikkens / Teknos microporous system — Longest life on old sashes |
| Filler, caulk, abrasives and tape job | £10 Filler, caulk, sandpaper — T2B: £60–£120 room materials incl. paint | £15 Toupret filler, decorator caulk, abrasives, tape — Crisp edges, no cracks | £22 Premium fillers, low-tack tape, dust-free sanding — Lived-in homes |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-27. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Windows? casement · sliding sash big effect
- Condition? sound · poor - flaking or putty loose
- Storeys? 1 · 2 · 3 big effect
Good practice
- Loose putty and flaking paint let water in: reputty before painting
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Old lead-based paint | Pre-1970 paintwork (many layers, alligator cracking)? | Treat as lead: no dry sanding or burning off; wet-abrade or chemical strip, bag waste |
| Rotten fascia or window timber | Screwdriver test: any soft or rotten timber? | Timber repairs £100–£400. Soft timber: cut out and splice or resin-repair before painting |
| Flaking or peeling paint | paint lifting, peeling or flaking off, bare wood or metal showing |
Questions
How much does paint timber windows (exterior) cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £130–£500/window (total, ex VAT), from Checkatrade. A worked example of 6 window comes to about £1,036–£1,170 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does paint timber windows (exterior) take?
The worked example of 6 window takes about 3.5 working days.
What changes the price of paint timber windows (exterior)?
Mainly windows, storeys, plus any prep found on site: old lead-based paint, rotten fascia or window timber, flaking or peeling paint.
More decorating prices
Paint a roomPaint walls or ceilings (per m²)Hall, stairs and landingDecorate a whole house (interior)Paint internal doorsPaint skirting and architraveHang wallpaperStrip wallpaperPaint house exterior (masonry)Paint fascias and soffitsPaint or stain a fenceKitchen cabinet resprayPaint radiatorsPaint an exterior doorStain or oil deckingPaint a garage door