{"id":44003,"date":"2022-09-26T19:09:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T17:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:03:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:03:59","slug":"american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/aluminiowa-rama-okienna-meska-reka-otwiera-widok-zblizenia-metalowych-drzwi-banner-1024x299.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/aluminiowa-rama-okienna-meska-reka-otwiera-widok-zblizenia-metalowych-drzwi-banner-1024x299.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/aluminiowa-rama-okienna-meska-reka-otwiera-widok-zblizenia-metalowych-drzwi-banner-300x88.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/aluminiowa-rama-okienna-meska-reka-otwiera-widok-zblizenia-metalowych-drzwi-banner-768x224.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/aluminiowa-rama-okienna-meska-reka-otwiera-widok-zblizenia-metalowych-drzwi-banner.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Choosing between U.S. and European windows isn\u2019t about style or trends. It directly affects your project cost, construction risk, and schedule.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>In this article, we break down the real differences between American and European windows that matter to U.S. builders. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Where European windows can save money, where they introduce risk, and when sticking with U.S. systems is the safer choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Table of contents:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"background-color:#f9f9f9\" class=\"wp-block-list has-background\">\n<li><a href=\"#installation\" rel=\"nofollow\">USA vs Europe &#8211; installation differences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#price-comparison\" rel=\"nofollow\">Price comparison<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#construction-differences\" rel=\"nofollow\">Differences in construction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#custom-windows\" rel=\"nofollow\">Custom windows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#gallery\" rel=\"nofollow\">Projects&#8217; Gallery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#moving-from-us-to-european-windows\">What changes when switching to European windowsropean windows<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quick takeaway for U.S. spec home builders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"debesto-table-block row--table \">\n\t<div class=\"row--scroll\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<table class=\" \">\n\t\t\t<thead>\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th style=\"\" class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"font-bold w-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEuropean windows work best when:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th style=\"\" class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"font-bold w-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmerican windows are better choice when:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t<tbody>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tprojects involve high-end or custom homes\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdelivery time is more critical than unit cost\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcost optimization matters more than speed\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlate-stage changes are common\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twindow dimensions can be verified before production\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td class=\"\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"table-cell-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tprojects are fast-track\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"installation\">USA vs Europe &#8211; installation differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>European window installation is not a technical risk &#8211; it\u2019s a learning and planning consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>European windows can be installed <strong>either flangeless or with a nailing fin<\/strong> (some EU manufacturers offer flange options).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you decide which option fits your project best, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/importing-european-windows-spec-home-builders\/#installation-crew\">installation strategy overview.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For crews new to European systems, we also provide a <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/european-window-installation-step-by-step-guide\/\">step-by-step guide to flangeless European window installation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are main differences between US and EU window installation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>American windows are nailed into the opening, while European windows are attached to the wall along the perimeter using brackets and anchors. The process is quite simple, although there are a few things to remember when installing European windows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong>\u2705<\/strong><\/strong> <strong>European windows are heavier than American ones<\/strong>, so this is definitely a two-person installation job (or more). Always check the exact weight on your invoice specifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u2705<\/strong> European windows require more precision during installation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u2705<\/strong> After proper installation, European windows don\u2019t leak and can withstand decades of use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:5%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"613\" height=\"611\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/22202910\/positionig-window.jpg\" alt=\"european windows installation in Amercian framing\" class=\"wp-image-78955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/22202910\/positionig-window.jpg 613w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/22202910\/positionig-window-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/22202910\/positionig-window-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"real-life-examples\">Real-life tips from U.S.-based installers experienced with European windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><blockquote class=\"blockquote \">\n\t\t<div class=\"blockquote__outline\">\n\t\t<i class=\"blockquote__icon icon-quotation-mark\"><\/i>\n\t\t<p><p>Install? Not a problem. It\u2019s about the same as American windows. If you\u2019re experienced, you\u2019ll handle it.<\/p>\n<p>The only real challenge was the weight \u2013 these windows are just much heavier than typical American ones.<br \/>\nBut to me, that also means better quality. More material, more solid build.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t<p class=\"blockquote__author\">Volodymyr, experienced installer from North Eastern<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/realizations\/urban-infill-new-jersey-upvc-aluminum-case-study\/\">See photos of windows installed by Volodymyr in New Jersey<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><blockquote class=\"blockquote \">\n\t\t<div class=\"blockquote__outline\">\n\t\t<i class=\"blockquote__icon icon-quotation-mark\"><\/i>\n\t\t<p><p>The difficulty level of installing European windows is different; they are heavier than American ones and <strong>require more precision<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>However, in the end, if I can pay less and get better quality, I choose windows from Poland over American ones.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t<p class=\"blockquote__author\">Jack, experienced installer from New York<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/realizations\/black-aluminum-windows-in-a-historic-townhouse-in-manhattan-case-study\/\">See photos of windows installed by Jack in Manhattan<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns full-width-section has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f9f9f9\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Switch from U.S. to European windows safely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Choose European windows over American and <strong>save up to 50%<\/strong> <br>while getting <strong>higher-spec units<\/strong>, so homes show better and <strong>sell faster<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><br><strong>See dedicated offer for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/b2b-offer\/spec-house-developers\/\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">Spec Home Builders<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/b2b-offer\/\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">Other customers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USA vs EU &#8211; Price Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real-life example:<\/strong> $150,000 US dealer quote vs&nbsp;European windows total landed cost (delivered): $99,750<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is the breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Window Production: $75,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/price-lists\/windows-delivery-price-to-the-us-promotional-price-list\/\">Shipping<\/a>: +$6,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duty: +$18,750<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 Net Savings: $50K extra margin on this project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa.jpg\" alt=\"european windows vs, american windows price comparison with real examples\" class=\"wp-image-79424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2022\/09\/09114828\/price-comparison-eu-vs-usa-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Among European windows, Polish-made products combine competitive pricing with proven engineering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Prices as of January 2026. Based on debesto internal data from Polish suppliers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:5%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/european-windows\/\">European windows<\/a> are even up to 40-50% cheaper than American ones, without compromising on quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s probably a catch here, right? Not really. <strong>European windows are more affordable <\/strong>for several reasons, especially when imported directly. Even<a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/importing-windows-from-europe\/\"> after Trump&#8217;s tariffs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why European windows are more affordable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Automation<\/strong> \u2013 European manufacturers use highly automated and modern manufacturing processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scale<\/strong> \u2013 Thanks to large-scale production, Polish manufacturers can optimize costs. <a href=\"https:\/\/forumbranzowe.com\/teksty\/29-mld-wartosc-eksportu-okien-i-drzwi-z-polski-po-iii-kw-2025-roku-stolarka-w-liczbach-40\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Poland is the world\u2019s largest exporter<\/a> of windows and doors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Borrowed technology<\/strong> \u2013 Polish manufacturers use advanced German technology, so they don\u2019t need to invest resources in developing systems from scratch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low production cost<\/strong> \u2013 Polish labor costs are several times lower than in the U.S. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/price-lists\/\">See our price lists to explore more about prices for windows in Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"construction-differences\">US vs EU Windows &#8211; Construction Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Types of European windows:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/tilt-and-turn-windows\/\">Tilt &amp; Turn windows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/sliding-aluminum-windows\/\">Sliding Patio Doors,<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/sliding-aluminum-windows\/\">HST &#8211; lift and slide patio doors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PSK &#8211; tilt and slide patio doors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/products\/aluplast-smart-slide-neo-upvc-sliding-patio-doors\/\">SMART-SLIDE (very tightly sealed)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/bi-fold-doors\/\">Bifold doors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fixed Windows (same as picture window)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:5%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Types of American windows:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-33249f31-71f6-4c50-988e-c9e322118928\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Awning,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Casement,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double Hung &amp; Single Hung,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gliding \/ sliding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bay&amp;Bow Window,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picture Window (same as fixed window).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">European window materials:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/pvc-windows\/\">uPVC (comparable to fiberglass)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/aluminum-windows\/\">aluminum (thermally broken)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/windows\/wooden-windows\/\">wood<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:5%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">American window materials:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-33249f31-71f6-4c50-988e-c9e322118928\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>vinyl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>aluminum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>composite \/ fiberglass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>wood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Differences in window construction can affect job site schedule, costs, and risk. European systems are heavier due to steel reinforcement inside the uPVC profiles and solid glazing units. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight examples from the spec home window schedule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sliding door, size 166 \u00d7 105 inches: <strong>851 lbs <\/strong>(386 kg)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Picture window, size 34 \u00d7 95 inches: <strong>108 lbs <\/strong>(49 kg)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tilt-and-turn window, size 34 \u00d7 64 inches: <strong>89.5 lbs <\/strong>(41 kg)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"custom-windows\">Custom windows in Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at U.S. windows, you might assume their main advantage is standardization. It feels safer to buy standardized units because you know what you&#8217;re getting. In theory, they should also cost less. In reality, that\u2019s not always the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Europe custom is a standard, without extra charge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantage of European windows is that they are tailor-made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even if you find someone to make American windows to size, their quality leaves much to be desired, not to mention the extra cost. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use our<a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/online-calculators\/pvc-window-price-calculator\/?system=decco_71&amp;glass_type=1&amp;color_type=white&amp;color_internal=white&amp;color_external=white\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> uPVC window costs calculator<\/strong><\/a> to see within seconds what the prices of European made-to-measure windows look like. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:5%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/04160509\/standard-sizes-edited.jpg\" alt=\"custom European windows sizes\" class=\"wp-image-69302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/04160509\/standard-sizes-edited.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/04160509\/standard-sizes-edited-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In Europe, custom sizing doesn&#8217;t affect the price as much as in the US<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"moving-from-us-to-european-windows\">What changes when you move from U.S. windows to European windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Switching from U.S. to European windows has real consequences &#8211; not in product quality, but in coordination, timing, and execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of buying from a local manufacturer, you\u2019re working <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/crucial-difference-between-us-and-european-window-markets\/\">across markets<\/a>, standards, and timelines.<br>That\u2019s why <strong>the key risk is rarely the window itself. <\/strong>It&#8217;s more how specifications, logistics, and installation details are aligned between the factory and the job site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, successful projects rely on clear coordination between the builder, architect, and European manufacturer. With <strong>one point of contact responsible for keeping everything aligned.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is already used on U.S. residential projects &#8211; see <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/realizations\/\">examples from recent spec home builds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-uagb-image-gallery uagb-block-7e697a89     \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery spectra-image-gallery__layout--grid spectra-image-gallery__layout--grid-col-4 spectra-image-gallery__layout--grid-col-tab-3 spectra-image-gallery__layout--grid-col-mob-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67089' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191511\/gealan-linear-chicago-2.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191511\/gealan-linear-chicago-2.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191511\/gealan-linear-chicago-2-196x300.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Gealan Linear in Chicago\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67068' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191435\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-1.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191435\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-1.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191435\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-1-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in New York\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67071' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191440\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-4.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191440\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-4.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191440\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-4-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in New York inside\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67083' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191501\/aluprof-with-grilles-new-york-7.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191501\/aluprof-with-grilles-new-york-7.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191501\/aluprof-with-grilles-new-york-7-300x268.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof three panels in New York\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67084' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191503\/bluevo-82-new-hempshire.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191503\/bluevo-82-new-hempshire.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191503\/bluevo-82-new-hempshire-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Salamander bluEvolution New Hempshire\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67067' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191433\/aluprof-mb79n-maine-2.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191433\/aluprof-mb79n-maine-2.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191433\/aluprof-mb79n-maine-2-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in Maine\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67085' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191505\/bluevo-nfrc-kotwy.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191505\/bluevo-nfrc-kotwy.jpeg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191505\/bluevo-nfrc-kotwy-300x268.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows NFRC certified\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__media-wrapper' data-spectra-gallery-image-id='67086' tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media spectra-image-gallery__media--grid\">\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191506\/energeto-neo-detroit-1.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191506\/energeto-neo-detroit-1.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail--grid\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191506\/energeto-neo-detroit-1-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Energeto Neo in Detroit\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-blurrer\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper spectra-image-gallery__media-thumbnail-caption-wrapper--overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class='spectra-image-gallery__control-lightbox' tabindex='0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper spectra-image-gallery__control-lightbox--main\" dir=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191511\/gealan-linear-chicago-2.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Gealan Linear in Chicago\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191435\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-1.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in New York\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191440\/aluprof-mb79n-new-york-4.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in New York inside\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191501\/aluprof-with-grilles-new-york-7.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof three panels in New York\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191503\/bluevo-82-new-hempshire.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Salamander bluEvolution New Hempshire\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191433\/aluprof-mb79n-maine-2.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Aluprof in Maine\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191505\/bluevo-nfrc-kotwy.jpeg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows NFRC certified\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"swiper-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/sites\/7\/2024\/09\/19191506\/energeto-neo-detroit-1.jpg\" alt=\"European tilt and turn windows Energeto Neo in Detroit\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-lazy-preloader swiper-lazy-preloader-white\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class='spectra-image-gallery__control-lightbox--close' aria-label=\"Close\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 361.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.75 0 45.25C304.4 412.9 296.2 416 288 416s-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375L160 301.3L54.63 406.6C48.38 412.9 40.19 416 32 416S15.63 412.9 9.375 406.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25l105.4-105.4L9.375 150.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L160 210.8l105.4-105.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-105.4 105.4L310.6 361.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When European windows make sense for spec home projects and when not<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, European windows are most often used on spec home projects with <strong>cost control, custom sizing, and early coordination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2705<\/strong> They are typically chosen when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>window budgets are under pressure and need optimization,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>architectural design goes beyond standard U.S. sizes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>window dimensions can be verified before production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these scenarios, European systems allow developers to balance <strong>unit cost, performance, and design flexibility<\/strong>. That can be significantly more expensive with U.S.-made custom windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u274c<\/strong> On the other hand, projects that rely on late-stage changes, loose framing tolerances, or fast-track schedules tend to stay with U.S. systems, where flexibility outweighs potential savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a deeper look at project&#8217;s profitability see <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/importing-european-windows-spec-home-builders\/\">When imporitng windows from Europe makes financial sense &#8211; and when it doesn\u2019t<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How debesto helps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>debesto\u2019s role is <strong>not just sourcing windows, but reducing execution risk<\/strong> for U.S. developers working with European systems. We coordinate specifications with manufacturers, support installation planning, and manage logistics so windows arrive on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our process is designed to minimize back-and-forth, avoid late surprises, and give developers clear answers early enough <strong>to protect margin and schedule<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<article class=\"post post--tile\">\n  <div class=\"post__image\">\n    <figure class=\"\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/08\/06090507\/debesto-video-consultation.jpg\" alt=\"debesto video consultation\"\/>\n    <\/figure>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"post__content\">\n    <h2><a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/quick-contact-form\/\" title=\"Book free project consultation\">European or U.S. windows &#8211; what&#8217;s best for your project?<\/a><\/h2>\n        <p>Not sure whether to choose windows from Europe or America? European windows aren\u2019t always the best choice. We can consult on your project and help you decide which option will best support your business goals.<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/quick-contact-form\/\" class=\"btn btn--fill\" title=\"Book free project consultation\"><span>Book free project consultation<\/span><\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770725203917\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the <strong>realistic total lead time<\/strong> from final measurements to delivery on site?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">For New York, the typical lead time is 8 to 12 weeks. Before production starts, your window schedule must be reviewed and converted into a technical specification. Production usually takes 3 to 7 weeks, depending on the material and window type. Delivery to the East Coast takes about 5 weeks and longer for the West Coast.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770724434957\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does your example price include <strong>everything<\/strong>: production, shipping, duty, inland delivery, and insurance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The price includes system production but excludes duties. Insurance is included in the shipping and inland delivery costs, which you can estimate using our <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/price-lists\/windows-delivery-price-to-the-us-promotional-price-list\/\">delivery cost calculator<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770724454208\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are there any costs that typically surprise U.S. builders during import?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">During the consultation, we estimate total costs for you, including production, tariffs, and delivery (with warranty and insurance included). Prices are fixed in the offer, so you won\u2019t pay more than what\u2019s agreed after the pro forma invoice.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770724473002\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens to pricing if window sizes change after initial quoting?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In Poland, small size adjustments usually don\u2019t affect pricing, since custom sizes are standard. Before production starts, we confirm all dimensions with you to make sure everything is correct.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770725111444\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is the \u201cup to 40\u201350% cheaper\u201d saving consistent across projects, or only in best-case scenarios?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Based on customer experience, average savings are around 40%, but this depends on project specifications. In some cases, cost optimization comes not only from unit price but from switching from low-quality vinyl to thermally broken aluminum systems.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1770725511869\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which part of the process is most likely to cause delays: production, shipping, or local delivery?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Ocean transport is the least predictable part of the process. Port congestion or weather can cause delays, even with a solid shipping plan. However, with over 10 years of experience shipping from Poland to the U.S., we can estimate a realistic delivery schedule and include a buffer for your jobsite timeline.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">This article was updated in February 2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do European windows vs. American windows compare, and how can they impact your window projects? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":54758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[268,4],"tags":[222,226],"class_list":["post-44003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-import-windows-to-the-usa","category-tests-and-comparisons","tag-windows","tag-comparisons"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects | debesto<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"European windows vs. American windows: cost, risk, and schedule differences every U.S. builder should know. Read the comparison\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"American vs European Windows - What Are The Differences? | debesto.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What are the differences between American and European windows? Which are cheaper and which are better? Wonder which type of window is the best for you? You will find out everything in this article.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"debesto\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/debestousa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06091215\/Ble%CC%A8kitny-Geometryczny-Rekrutacja-Reklama-na-Facebooku-2-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"628\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ajozwicka\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ajozwicka\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/534686d84da17df1a64cda812b13a83f\"},\"headline\":\"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\"},\"wordCount\":1436,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"windows\",\"comparisons\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Import windows to the USA\",\"Tests and comparisons\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\",\"name\":\"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects | debesto\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00\",\"description\":\"European windows vs. American windows: cost, risk, and schedule differences every U.S. builder should know. Read the comparison\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg\",\"width\":768,\"height\":766,\"caption\":\"Popularity of Windows in USA and Eu\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/\",\"name\":\"debesto\",\"description\":\"windows, doors, shutters and garage doors for B2B\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization\",\"name\":\"debesto\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/05\/06091240\/logo-debesto-comparison.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/05\/06091240\/logo-debesto-comparison.jpg\",\"width\":188,\"height\":25,\"caption\":\"debesto\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/debestousa\/\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wearedebesto\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/debesto-the-best-european-windows\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@debesto\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/534686d84da17df1a64cda812b13a83f\",\"name\":\"ajozwicka\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/87a440c3451e4792a6fe95d765a9071b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/87a440c3451e4792a6fe95d765a9071b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"ajozwicka\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917\",\"name\":\"What is the realistic total lead time from final measurements to delivery on site?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For New York, the typical lead time is 8 to 12 weeks. Before production starts, your window schedule must be reviewed and converted into a technical specification. Production usually takes 3 to 7 weeks, depending on the material and window type. Delivery to the East Coast takes about 5 weeks and longer for the West Coast.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957\",\"name\":\"Does your example price include everything: production, shipping, duty, inland delivery, and insurance?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The price includes system production but excludes duties. Insurance is included in the shipping and inland delivery costs, which you can estimate using our <a href=\\\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/price-lists\/windows-delivery-price-to-the-us-promotional-price-list\/\\\">delivery cost calculator<\/a>.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208\",\"name\":\"Are there any costs that typically surprise U.S. builders during import?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"During the consultation, we estimate total costs for you, including production, tariffs, and delivery (with warranty and insurance included). Prices are fixed in the offer, so you won\u2019t pay more than what\u2019s agreed after the pro forma invoice.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002\",\"name\":\"What happens to pricing if window sizes change after initial quoting?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In Poland, small size adjustments usually don\u2019t affect pricing, since custom sizes are standard. Before production starts, we confirm all dimensions with you to make sure everything is correct.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444\",\"name\":\"Is the \u201cup to 40\u201350% cheaper\u201d saving consistent across projects, or only in best-case scenarios?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Based on customer experience, average savings are around 40%, but this depends on project specifications. In some cases, cost optimization comes not only from unit price but from switching from low-quality vinyl to thermally broken aluminum systems.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869\",\"name\":\"Which part of the process is most likely to cause delays: production, shipping, or local delivery?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Ocean transport is the least predictable part of the process. Port congestion or weather can cause delays, even with a solid shipping plan. However, with over 10 years of experience shipping from Poland to the U.S., we can estimate a realistic delivery schedule and include a buffer for your jobsite timeline.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects | debesto","description":"European windows vs. American windows: cost, risk, and schedule differences every U.S. builder should know. Read the comparison","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"American vs European Windows - What Are The Differences? | debesto.com","og_description":"What are the differences between American and European windows? Which are cheaper and which are better? Wonder which type of window is the best for you? You will find out everything in this article.","og_url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/","og_site_name":"debesto","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/debestousa\/","article_published_time":"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":628,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06091215\/Ble%CC%A8kitny-Geometryczny-Rekrutacja-Reklama-na-Facebooku-2-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"ajozwicka","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/"},"author":{"name":"ajozwicka","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/534686d84da17df1a64cda812b13a83f"},"headline":"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects","datePublished":"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/"},"wordCount":1436,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg","keywords":["windows","comparisons"],"articleSection":["Import windows to the USA","Tests and comparisons"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/","url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/","name":"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects | debesto","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg","datePublished":"2022-09-26T17:09:56+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-17T12:03:59+00:00","description":"European windows vs. American windows: cost, risk, and schedule differences every U.S. builder should know. Read the comparison","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917"},{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957"},{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208"},{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002"},{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444"},{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg","width":768,"height":766,"caption":"Popularity of Windows in USA and Eu"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"American vs. European windows: differences that matter for spec projects"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#website","url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/","name":"debesto","description":"windows, doors, shutters and garage doors for B2B","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#organization","name":"debesto","url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/05\/06091240\/logo-debesto-comparison.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/05\/06091240\/logo-debesto-comparison.jpg","width":188,"height":25,"caption":"debesto"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/debestousa\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wearedebesto\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/debesto-the-best-european-windows\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@debesto"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/534686d84da17df1a64cda812b13a83f","name":"ajozwicka","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/87a440c3451e4792a6fe95d765a9071b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/87a440c3451e4792a6fe95d765a9071b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"ajozwicka"}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725203917","name":"What is the realistic total lead time from final measurements to delivery on site?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For New York, the typical lead time is 8 to 12 weeks. Before production starts, your window schedule must be reviewed and converted into a technical specification. Production usually takes 3 to 7 weeks, depending on the material and window type. Delivery to the East Coast takes about 5 weeks and longer for the West Coast.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724434957","name":"Does your example price include everything: production, shipping, duty, inland delivery, and insurance?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The price includes system production but excludes duties. Insurance is included in the shipping and inland delivery costs, which you can estimate using our <a href=\"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/price-lists\/windows-delivery-price-to-the-us-promotional-price-list\/\">delivery cost calculator<\/a>.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724454208","name":"Are there any costs that typically surprise U.S. builders during import?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"During the consultation, we estimate total costs for you, including production, tariffs, and delivery (with warranty and insurance included). Prices are fixed in the offer, so you won\u2019t pay more than what\u2019s agreed after the pro forma invoice.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770724473002","name":"What happens to pricing if window sizes change after initial quoting?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In Poland, small size adjustments usually don\u2019t affect pricing, since custom sizes are standard. Before production starts, we confirm all dimensions with you to make sure everything is correct.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725111444","name":"Is the \u201cup to 40\u201350% cheaper\u201d saving consistent across projects, or only in best-case scenarios?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Based on customer experience, average savings are around 40%, but this depends on project specifications. In some cases, cost optimization comes not only from unit price but from switching from low-quality vinyl to thermally broken aluminum systems.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/blog\/american-vs-european-what-are-the-differences\/#faq-question-1770725511869","name":"Which part of the process is most likely to cause delays: production, shipping, or local delivery?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Ocean transport is the least predictable part of the process. Port congestion or weather can cause delays, even with a solid shipping plan. However, with over 10 years of experience shipping from Poland to the U.S., we can estimate a realistic delivery schedule and include a buffer for your jobsite timeline.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg",768,766,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg",768,766,false],"large":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg",768,766,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg",768,766,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/cdn.debesto.com\/web\/assets\/2022\/09\/06090838\/Popularnosc-okien-Usa-Pl-eng-1.jpg",768,766,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"ajozwicka","author_link":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/author\/ajozwicka\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"How do European windows vs. American windows compare, and how can they impact your window projects?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44003"}],"version-history":[{"count":80,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44003\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79862,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44003\/revisions\/79862"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/debesto.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}