All things being equal, if I had the time, energy, inclination and money, I would go natural for everything. But since all those requirements are not likely to be met any time soon, I have to make decisions like replacement windows based on my abilities and capabilities. Prepping, painting, sealing and caulking wooden windows, much as I would prefer them, are not things for which I have either the time or expertise (or money to pay someone else to do them).

And all plastic and vinyl jokes aside, vinyl windows are practical, attractive and so easy to care for. They come in popular configurations, including tilt-ins for easy cleaning, adjustable locking mechanisms and just about any feature you might want. Well, except for “self-cleaning” which no one has invented yet - more’s the pity. Regardless of your preconceived ideas about vinyl versus wood, I recommend taking another look at vinyl replacement windows when you’re remodeling. Ours are beautiful, if not “natural.”