To respray or replace windows?

[Janel85]

We moved into our new house in December, it’s 1990 built and everything needs redoing as it’s very tired and dated. The windows are dark brown wood with the leaded glazing. I hate them. We are doing a double storey side extension in the summer and so will be putting in new windows, but they are going to have to match the old ones, dh and I disagree on what to do with existing windows, he wants to get our brown windows resprayed a dark anthracite grey and then match the new windows (complete with the lead style glazing) in the extension. I just want to bite the bullet and get new oak windows throughout. He says this will cost a fortune and isn’t an option. Anyone done any respraying or had oak windows or in and knows rough costs? I’m worried respraying wont look good and will require a lot more maintenenace....

I think that reprinting will look very good if done properly.

However, the windows are coming up to 30 years so might not be that energy efficient. As it's very cold now, it's probably a good time to work out if you'd benefit from more modern glazing.

And personally, I wouldn't go for anthracite. It's very fashionable at the moment but it doesn't go with many styles of property and is likely to look as dated as brown frames in a few years.

I'd lighten everything up - if the frames are in good condition you may be able to have the glazing replaced with non-leaded double glazed panels and get the frames painted. Lighter colours reflect more light and you'll find everything looks lighter and brighter inside.

Weve got the same problem - 1980s dark brown windows. I still havent decided what to do, but replacing the glazing panels with better )and non leaded) glass is an option. Its about £30 a window pane.

Weve got a hideous, same brown and glass, front door thats taking up my head space at the moment! Im trying to alter that cheaply, really I should just buy a new one and be done with it.

Thanks for the feedback, mentioned oak windows to dh again and he still wasn’t convinced, perhaps I should start whispering it in his ear when he’s asleep

@Sunnyshores, £30 per window pane sounds very tempting. What sort of company did you ask? Or could you tell me the name if the cover south London?

It was a company in Somerset, but just a glazier rather than a window company

Thank you Sunny! I'll look for similiar in my area :)

We had the same problem , we had to replace the panes numerous times because they misted up. We finally had white upvc put in and are so pleased with them. We had the whole house done for 8 grand. Best thing we ever did.

oak windows will be about £20k (but look gorgeous), so Im really tempted to just replace the glass as we also need doors, rendering, garage conversion, garden landscaping, new bathrooms....and on and on..... Procrastination rules

If they’re real wood I wouldn’t paint them in anthracite. I’d probably get them all reglazed and repaint ot change to wood looking upvc (and shop around for those to avoid the really fake looking ones).