You need to replace your windows and you’re hesitating between PVC, hybrid and wood? This is the question our advisors hear most often at our branches.
The short answer: there’s no bad choice. Every material has its strengths. The right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style and the level of maintenance you’re willing to do.
This guide compares the three materials on every criterion that matters: price, insulation, lifespan, maintenance, aesthetics and resale value. We also include the wood-look Double Nature, an exclusive fourth option at Fenexart.
Quick comparison: PVC vs hybrid vs wood vs wood-look (Double Nature)
| Criterion | PVC (uPVC) | Hybrid | Wood-look (Double Nature) | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per window | $1,000 to $1,500 | $1,200 to $1,800 | $1,300 to $1,800 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Maintenance | Minimal (soap wash) | Minimal (soap wash) | Minimal | Regular (paint/stain every 3-5 years) |
| Thermal insulation | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Colour choice | Standard white or painted | Wide palette (painted aluminum) | Aluminum exterior + wood-tinted PVC interior | Unlimited (paint/stain) |
| Ideal for | Tight budgets, condos, buildings | Contemporary homes, colour and durability | Wood look without the maintenance | Heritage homes, cottages, high-end |
The PVC window: the affordable and reliable choice
PVC (or uPVC) is the most installed window material in Quebec. And for good reason: it offers the best value on the market.
How it’s manufactured
The frame is made of 100% multi-chamber PVC. At Fenexart, we use frames from our supplier PH Tech, recognized for its high quality standards. The chambers inside the frame trap air and create a natural thermal barrier.
The advantages of PVC
- The lowest price of all materials
- Excellent thermal insulation (PVC does not conduct heat)
- Minimal maintenance with a simple soap wash
- Does not rust, rot or corrode
- Resists Quebec’s harsh weather (freeze, thaw, humidity)
The limits of PVC
- Limited colours: standard PVC is white. However, colour options are available.
PVC is right for you if…
You’re looking for the best value. You want to keep maintenance to a minimum. You own a condo, an income property or a home where budget is a priority. The majority of our residential clients choose PVC.
The hybrid window: the best of both worlds
The hybrid window combines two materials: aluminum on the outside and PVC on the inside. It’s the most popular choice in Quebec for homeowners who want to step above standard PVC, especially for colours other than white.
How it’s manufactured
The outer side of the frame is painted aluminum (available in a wide palette of colours). The inner side is PVC for insulation. This combination offers the durability of aluminum against the weather and the thermal comfort of PVC.
The advantages of hybrid
- Wide choice of exterior colours thanks to painted aluminum
- Superior durability: aluminum resists impacts, UV rays and weather better than PVC alone
- Excellent thermal insulation (PVC interior)
- Minimal maintenance, identical to PVC
- Contemporary and high-end look
- Slimmer frames than pure PVC, which lets in more light
The limits of hybrid
- Higher price than PVC (about 20 to 30% more per window)
- The energy performance difference compared to PVC is marginal. The main gain is aesthetic and in durability.
Hybrid is right for you if…
You want colour on your windows (black, anthracite grey, brown, forest green…). You have a contemporary home or you’re renovating to modernize the look. You want a product that lasts longer than standard PVC. The price difference with PVC is often smaller than you’d think.
The wood-look window (Double Nature): the wood look, zero maintenance
Double Nature is an exclusive option that offers the appearance of wood on the inside without any of the maintenance drawbacks of real wood on the interior of the window.
How it’s manufactured
The exterior is aluminum (like the hybrid). The interior is stained PVC that mimics the appearance of natural wood. Several tints are available to match your woodwork, moldings and floors.
The advantages of wood-look (Double Nature)
- Interior wood appearance without maintenance
- Durability identical to hybrid
- No paint, no stain, no varnish to redo
- Several tints available
- Aluminum exterior for weather resistance
The limits of wood-look (Double Nature)
- The stained PVC mimics wood, but it isn’t real wood. Connoisseurs will notice the difference up close.
- Price slightly higher than the hybrid.
Wood-look (Double Nature) is right for you if…
You love the look of wood in your interior but you don’t want the maintenance. You have wood floors, moldings or cabinetry and you want your windows to match. It’s the perfect compromise between the aesthetics of wood and the practicality of PVC.
The wood window: the timeless high-end choice
Wood is the oldest and noblest window material. It offers a warmth and character that other materials cannot reproduce.
How it’s manufactured
The frame is made of solid wood. At Fenexart, our wood windows are available in all-wood or aluminum exterior with wood interior. The version with aluminum exterior protects the wood from the weather while keeping the natural look inside.
The advantages of wood
- Unmatched warm and high-end aesthetic
- Wood is a natural thermal insulator
- Unlimited customization (paint, stain, varnish, custom colour)
- Increases the perceived value of the property
- Ideal for heritage homes and restoration projects
The limits of wood
- The highest price of all materials
- Mandatory maintenance: exterior paint or stain every 3 to 5 years to protect the wood from humidity, sun and frost
- Wood can swell, contract or warp with humidity changes if maintenance is neglected
- More vulnerable to mold and rot if poorly maintained
Wood is right for you if…
You have a heritage, ancestral or classic-style home. You’re renovating a cottage and want an authentic look. You’re willing to maintain your windows regularly. You’re looking for a high-end product that stands out.
Which material to choose based on your situation?
You’re renovating a bungalow or cottage
PVC is generally the best choice. Good value, no maintenance, excellent insulation. If your budget allows and you want to modernize the look, hybrid in black or anthracite grey completely transforms the look of a bungalow.
You’re renovating a contemporary home
Hybrid is the natural choice. Slim frames and dark colours (black, anthracite) are the signature of contemporary style. Wood-look (Double Nature) is also an option if you want visible wood on the interior. Also consider matching your patio doors with your windows for a coherent look.
You’re renovating a condo or income property
PVC is the logical choice. Budget is often the deciding factor for building owners, and PVC offers the best performance per dollar invested.
You’re renovating a heritage home or cottage
Wood is the authentic choice. For a heritage home, wood preserves the original character. For a cottage, it blends naturally with the decor. If the maintenance of wood puts you off, wood-look (Double Nature) offers an interesting compromise.
You don’t know yet
Visit one of our 6 showrooms. Our advisors will show you samples of each material, explain the differences in person and help you choose based on your home, your budget and your tastes.
All materials are eligible for Rénoclimat
Regardless of your material choice, most Fenexart windows are Energy Star certified and eligible for the Rénoclimat program from the Quebec government.
In 2026, the subsidy is $150 per opening replaced. For 10 windows, that’s $1,500 in subsidy, regardless of the material chosen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular window material in Quebec?
PVC is the most installed material in Quebec, followed by hybrid. PVC dominates the residential market thanks to its value. Hybrid is gaining popularity every year, particularly for contemporary home renovations and projects where the owner wants coloured windows.
Does hybrid insulate better than PVC?
The insulation difference between PVC and hybrid is marginal. Both materials use PVC on the interior of the frame, which is the main insulator. The hybrid’s advantage lies in exterior durability (aluminum) and colour choice, not in energy performance.
Are wood windows still a good choice in 2026?
Yes, for the right projects. Wood remains the high-end choice par excellence for heritage homes, cottages and homeowners who want a unique character. Regular maintenance (paint or stain every 3-5 years) is the main drawback. If you love the look of wood without the maintenance, wood-look (Double Nature) is an interesting alternative.
Can you mix materials in the same home?
Yes, it’s entirely possible and even common. For example, hybrid or wood-look (Double Nature) for the main living areas (living room, kitchen) and PVC for the bedrooms and basement. Our advisors help you plan the best combination for your project.
Next step: see and touch the difference
The best way to choose between PVC, hybrid, wood-look (Double Nature) and wood is to see them in person. Visit one of our 6 showrooms to compare materials, colours and finishes.
Our advisors offer you a free consultation, at our branch or in your home, to assess your needs and recommend the best choice for your home.
Phone: 1 (855) 524-9595