Window sizes significantly affect cost, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Understanding standard sizes can help save both time and money. In Australia, various building types have different standard window sizes, which follow guidelines like AS 2047 to ensure durability and safety.
These standards take into account factors such as climate, building use, and construction practices. By adhering to them, manufacturers can enable mass production, reduce costs, and enhance energy efficiency. Standard windows are also easier to install, more affordable, and suitable for most projects, including renovations.
In this article, we’ll explore window sizing standards in Australia, why they matter, and when custom solutions may be required.
Standard Window Sizes in Australia
Window standards in Australia are generally classified into residential and commercial categories, each with typical dimensions designed to meet different needs.
These classifications are set by specific building codes and regulations, such as those found in the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 2047, which ensure that windows meet durability, energy efficiency, and safety standards.
Different window types can be used to meet specific room needs. For example, Sliding Windows are perfect for wide, open views and effortless operation. Imagine gently sliding them open on a sunny morning to let in a fresh breeze so you can connect your indoor space to the garden outside.
Meanwhile, Awning Windows are perfect for those cosy rainy days—leave them open just a crack, and you can enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops while staying dry and comfortable indoors, perhaps with a warm cup of tea in hand.
|
Residential Windows |
||
|
Standard Window Sizes (mm) |
Typical Use |
Benefits |
|
1200 x 1200 |
Bedrooms, bathrooms, general-purpose rooms |
Versatile, cost-effective, suitable for various room types. |
|
1500 x 1200 |
Living rooms, dining areas, larger bedrooms |
Provides ample natural light, multiple window type options for different needs. |
|
1800 x 1200 |
Open-plan living areas, large bedrooms, or offices |
Enhances airflow and natural light, ideal for larger spaces. |
|
900 x 1200 |
Smaller bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms |
Space-efficient, provides privacy and natural light. |
|
1200 x 1500 |
Living rooms, kitchens, areas needing extra light |
Balances light and ventilation, suitable for various spaces. |
|
900 x 900 |
Bathrooms, hallways, smaller bedrooms |
Compact, provides insulation and privacy. |
|
Commercial Windows |
||
|
Standard Window Size (mm) |
Typical Use |
Benefits |
|
2000 x 1200 |
Offices, commercial spaces, large buildings |
Clear views, ideal for aesthetics and natural light, suitable for various commercial applications. |
|
2400 x 1500 |
Commercial buildings, showrooms, high-traffic areas |
Expansive views, visibility for showcasing products, suitable for retail and high-traffic environments. |
Depending on the function, different window types, such as Fixed Lite or Louvre Windows, may be chosen for commercial applications. Fixed Windows are ideal for framing scenic views and flooding spaces with natural light. They offer an unobstructed, picture-perfect view, like a living photograph of a vibrant garden or distant hills.
Louvre windows are perfect for creating a tropical, airy feel. Simply angle the slats to let in a refreshing cross-breeze on a warm day while still maintaining your privacy.
Non-Standard (Custom) Windows
Standard window sizes suit many projects, but there are times when custom windows are necessary. For example, a custom window can be used in a heritage home renovation project to match the original architectural style of the building, where standard sizes cannot.
The custom window seamlessly blends with the existing design while providing modern energy efficiency benefits. However, this approach increased the overall cost and required specialised labour for installation, which extended the project timeline.
Custom windows come into play when dealing with unique architectural features or non-standard openings. Custom sizing allows for tailored fit and distinctive designs, adding a bespoke aesthetic to a building. However, these windows come at a higher cost and typically involve longer lead times.
If you need a window solution that’s as unique as your home, we specialise in custom windows tailored to your exact specifications. Contact us now for a consultation.
Cost Estimation (Standard vs Custom)
The cost of windows in Australia varies based on several factors, including the design or type of window, size, frame material, glazing, and labour charges.
Standard Windows are generally more cost-effective due to economies of scale. Mass production allows manufacturers to produce large quantities at lower costs per unit. This standardisation simplifies hardware and glass replacement and reduces installation expenses, as standard windows are easier to install.
The streamlined manufacturing process ensures consistency in quality, so homeowners and builders can rely on their durability and performance without the higher costs associated with bespoke options.
Here are approximate prices for standard windows in Brisbane, categorised by type:
| Window Type | Baseline Size (mm) | Price Range |
| Sliding Windows | 1200 x 1210 | $200 – $450 |
| Double-Hung Windows | 900 x 1210 | $400 – $550 |
| Awning Windows | 1200 x 1210 | $200- $350 |
| Casement Windows | 900 x 1210 | $250 – $350 |
| Louvre Windows | 600 x 1210 | $230 – $420 |
| Bay Windows | Main: 1500 x 1510; Side: 900 x 1510 |
$550 – $1,200 |
| Bi-Fold Windows | Priced per square meter, typically 1200 x 1210 |
Approximately $1,300 per square meter |
The above baseline sizes provide an approximate guide for typical residential applications. Custom sizes or enhanced features, however, may increase costs.
Custom Windows are typically more expensive because they require specialised materials and craftsmanship, often involving unique measurements and specific design requests.
The production process for these windows is more intricate, which involves tailoring each component to fit specifications, often including unconventional shapes or sizes. Additionally, higher-quality finishes or unique glazing options often contribute to longer delivery times and increased costs – custom windows can cost around 82% higher (or more) than standard windows of similar measurements.
Considerations when customising windows:
Glass Type – Standard float glass costs around $38 per square metre, while options like low-emission or double-glazed glass can range from $200 to $320 per square metre.
Frame Material – Aluminium frames are generally more affordable, whereas timber frames tend to be more expensive due to material and maintenance.
Installation Costs – Labour charges typically range from $70 to $90 per hour, depending on the complexity of the installation and local labour rates.
Acoustic and Energy Efficiency upgrade costs
When choosing windows, additional options such as acoustic upgrades or energy-efficient glazing can significantly affect the overall cost.
Acoustic upgrades may include thicker or laminated glass to reduce noise transmission, typically increasing the price by up to 50%.
You can improve energy efficiency by using glass types like double glazing or low-E coatings. These can help reduce heat transfer and enhance insulation.
Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with a gas layer to minimise heat loss in winter and reduce heat gain in summer, while Low-E coatings reflect infrared light, keeping heat in during colder months and blocking excess heat during warmer months.
However, this can also be costly, typically adding 40% of the base price compared to standard float glass. However, these upgrades help in reducing energy bills and enhancing indoor comfort, providing long-term savings.
Additional Factors in Selecting Window Sizes
Selecting the right window goes beyond just aesthetics and cost—it involves making informed decisions about energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall comfort. Understanding these factors ensures a balanced outcome in both form and function:
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Choosing the right window size can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, affecting multiple aspects of comfort and cost. The right window size determines how much natural light enters your space, the quality of ventilation, and how well your home retains heat or stays cool.
For instance, selecting larger windows for the living room allowed for increased natural light, so there is no need for artificial lighting during the day. Meanwhile, smaller windows in the bedrooms minimised heat gain, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature without relying heavily on air conditioning.
The right window sizes in different areas of your house help balance light, temperature control, and airflow, contributing to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
Aesthetic Planning Considerations
Well-chosen window sizes can enhance the flow of natural light, create focal points, and help make rooms feel more spacious or cosy, depending on the desired effect.
For example, a large window in the living area can create a strong visual connection to the garden outside.
The expansive window not only enhanced the indoor-outdoor flow but also became the focal point of the room, transforming it into a space that felt open, airy, and filled with natural light. This choice perfectly illustrated how strategic window selection can elevate both functionality and aesthetic appeal in a real-world setting.
Regulatory Compliance
Building codes and regulations are crucial when selecting window sizes in Australia. Builders are very compliant with these codes because they ensure safety, legal adherence, and quality assurance.
Compliance with these standards prevents costly fines, project delays, and safety hazards. It also guarantees that windows are durable and perform well under various conditions, which helps maintain the builder’s reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality projects:
Building Codes (AS2047): This standard outlines the regulations for window sizing, strength, and weatherproofing. It ensures that windows are durable, can withstand weather conditions, and meet minimum strength requirements for safety and performance. Compliance with these codes can also positively affect insurance premiums, as they demonstrate adherence to safety standards.
Safety Standards (AS 1288-2006): These cover the safety requirements for windows, especially in high-rise or large buildings. They focus on the use of safety glass and other measures to prevent injuries from accidental breakage or falls. Ensuring compliance can also enhance the resale value of the property, as potential buyers will appreciate the safety measures in place.
Energy Rating Requirements: Compliance with energy efficiency standards helps optimise your building’s performance. This involves selecting windows that contribute to less heat loss in winter and limiting heat gain in summer, which helps improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
Key Points about Window Standards in Australia
Knowing standard window sizes helps you streamline building projects, control costs, and ensure consistency. Custom window sizes provide more flexibility, allowing for unique designs such present in heritage buildings and tailored aesthetics, but they often come with higher expenses and longer lead times.
The choice of windows impacts energy efficiency, natural light, ventilation, and overall comfort in the building. Additionally, it is crucial to comply with Australian building codes and energy standards to meet safety and performance requirements, as well as to achieve optimal energy usage.
For homeowners, builders, and designers, understanding window standards is crucial for planning a successful project. Whether you choose standard sizes for ease and cost savings or go with custom sizes for a tailored aesthetic, consider the impact on energy efficiency, aesthetics, and regulatory compliance.
Careful planning now can ensure your project meets your goals for both functionality and design.
Check out the product list on our website so you can choose perfect windows for your project, whether standard or custom. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
