The quality of aluminium window frames has improved enormously since they first became popular in Australia in the early 1970s.

There are three main choices as the material for your window frames: timber, vinyl or aluminium. Vinyl (properly known as polyvinyl chloride plastic) tends to be moderately priced and does not have to be painted but the major drawback to this is the limited choice in colours. Vinyl can also look thick and bulky, which does not suit many house designs, especially period homes. Because this type of vinyl is only a recent option, its long-term durability is yet to be proven. Timber window frames, whether clad or standard, are expensive. An independent real estate news website points out that timber clad windows usually have an external shell of aluminum or fibreglass anyway, to protect the wood elements from the weather. They are difficult and expensive to repair, and you are permanently stuck with the colour of the cladding. Standard timber looks great, but you will want to be handy with the paint brush, putty and sandpaper, because the exterior will need to sanded back and repainted at least every 10 years – and that’s in a location shielded from direct weather – and best at least "touched up" with a good quality (read: expensive) paint coat every five years to protect the timber. Weighing up just these factors, aluminium is already looking like the stand out choice for window frames.

Aluminium window frames now on the market may no longer be the bargain choice of yesteryear (just the spiraling cost of the huge amount of electricity required in the smelting process of aluminium has seen to that), they are still good value for money. The stock standard "silver" colour of aluminium windows will easily blend with any colour, plus there are many excellent, powder coated colour choices available. Aluminium frames are easy to paint, and to strip back and repaint, so you can change their colour at your whim. Or simply go with the au natural look of aluminium, and never again have to repaint your window frames. Alumium does not rot or warp, which means they can support heavy window lintels without the need of costly re-inforcements. And aluminium never fades, unlike other materials, especially vinyl.

Aluminium is also an incredibly strong and durable material but extremely light weight, which makes it so popular for windows. It is the most common choice for industrial building design. In homes, aluminium windows are perfect for custom designing, and for prefab manufacture, which helps reduce their cost enormously. Aluminium frames are quick and easy to install, which is attractive to the Do-It-Yourself minded home owner and to the budget conscious. They suit larger windows, and are a good fit with energy efficient house design because of options such as inserting a strip of foam between the interior and exterior frames. In winter this helps to keep the warmth in and cold out, and vice versa in summer. Aluminium windows are common in hi-rise apartment towers, schools, offices and busy retail outlets, because of their excellent sound proofing qualities.