The Unfiltered Truth About Pass-Through Windows

three women share brunch in an indoor outdoor living space created by a kitchen pass-through window

Pass-through windows are a functional and beautiful way to create indoor-outdoor living spaces.

But there is a secret about these windows that many homeowners who visit our Cary, NC window showroom don’t know.

Read on to find out everything you need to know if you’re considering adding one to your home. In fact, we’re sharing #1 best kept secret about pass-through windows.

three women having brunch in indoor-outdoor living space created by a pass-through window captioned with "Want a trendy pass-through window? The unfiltered truth about pass-through windows."

What are Pass-Through Windows?

A pass-through window accentuates indoor-outdoor living spaces. The opening creates a beautiful and functional indoor-outdoor living.

They are typically found in kitchens, usually above countertops. That way food and drinks can be easily passed between the kitchen and an outdoor entertaining space.

Pass-through windows are also great options in basement bars, laundry rooms, and other areas where there is a need for easy access between adjacent spaces.

There are many options for sills on pass-through windows, including some which are completely flat, or flush. This seamless opening allows food, drinks, and other items to be easily passed through the window opening.

There are a few different types of pass-through windows, including:

  • Sliding windows: These windows slide open and closed horizontally, like a sliding door.
  • Folding windows: These windows fold open like an accordion.
  • Crank windows: These windows crank open and closed (can crank upwards or to the side)

What Does Pass-Through Windows Cost?

The functionality and fun of a pass-through window make it appealing to many homeowners.  These windows offer aesthetic interest and a quick and easy way to double a home’s entertaining space.

Unfortunately, for most homeowners, pass-through windows are cost-prohibitive to install.

A window’s cost reflects the research and engineering design that went into its development.

A true pass-through window, that will be energy efficient and keep out the elements without a seam, is a marvel of modern engineering. The prices reflect this.

That’s why many of the top window and door manufacturers offer a pass-through window that isn’t a window at all.

The #1 Best Kept Secret About Pass-Through Windows

A quick search for pass-through windows on Instagram or Pinterest will show you plenty of gorgeous options.

This might make you think that these trendy windows are common and easy to order.

Surprisingly, however, most of the major American window brands don’t actually make a pass-through window.

This includes top window manufacturers like Marvin, Pella, and Andersen.

That’s because the pass-through windows they offer are actually sliding doors!

Here’s a quote for a pass-through window from Andersen. You can see that the “window” is actually a Multi-Glide patio door.

The door has just been sized down to the impossibly small dimensions of 84 in X 48 in.

Top Window Installation Company Serving Cary, NC, and Nearby Areas

When making changes to your home, you need to work with construction pros who can bring your vision to life even if that means ordering a door when you want a window!

Window Works Co. has helped thousands of homeowners in Cary, NC, and nearby areas find the best windows for their homes. We’d love to help you, too!

Schedule your free measure and consultation appointment today.

Table of Contents

Schedule Consultation

Let’s Talk About Your Window or Door Project

Window Works Co.
Free In-Home Measure Appointment

A Beautiful Home Starts
with a Conversation.

Schedule Yours Today.

Choose a date that works, then tell us about your project. Most appointments take about 90 minutes and include a full product walkthrough and written estimate.

Serving the Triangle since 2007
Andersen · ProVia · Therma-Tru
No pressure, no obligation
Step 1 of 4

When Should We Meet?

We schedule in-home appointments Monday through Friday.

Has availability
Step 2 of 4

Your Contact Info

We'll send a confirmation to your email and text. We'll only be in touch if we have questions.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Service Address

We serve a 30-mile radius from Cary, NC, including:

Apex · Cary · Chapel Hill · Durham · Fuquay-Varina · Garner · Holly Springs · Morrisville · Raleigh · Wake Forest

Please enter a street address.
Address confirmed
Required.
Required.
Required.
It looks like your address may be outside our service area, which is a 30-mile radius from our storefront. You're welcome to submit your request — we'll be in touch if we have any questions about scheduling.
Please select your role.
If you're a renter, please make sure the property owner or manager can be present. Appointments without an authorized decision-maker may need to be rescheduled.
Please let us know how you heard about us.
Step 3 of 4

About Your Project

This helps us come prepared with the right products and samples.

Please select at least one.

For example: adding a window where there wasn't one, converting a window to a door, or structural changes.

Our appointments run about 90 minutes and include a product walkthrough and written estimate. It's most helpful when everyone who needs to review can be there.

Please let us know.
No problem. We'll bring written materials for anyone who can't make it. Keep in mind we can't finalize pricing without everyone who needs to review, so a follow-up may be needed.
Step 4 of 4

Confirm Your Appointment

Everything look right? Hit confirm and we'll take it from there.

By submitting, you agree to receive a confirmation email and text, and consent to be contacted by phone or text if we have any questions. We'll never share your information.

You're on the Calendar!

We'll send a confirmation to your email. We'll only reach out if we have questions.

Questions? Call us at (919) 854-6121

Simple plans. No surprises.

Flexible financing for your Window & Door project

Three options to choose from:

Window Works Co.
Free In-Home Measure Appointment

A Beautiful Home Starts
with a Conversation.

Schedule Yours Today.

Choose a date that works, then tell us about your project. Most appointments take about 90 minutes and include a full product walkthrough and written estimate.

Serving the Triangle since 2007
Andersen · ProVia · Therma-Tru
No pressure, no obligation
Step 1 of 4

When Should We Meet?

We schedule in-home appointments Monday through Friday.

Has availability
Step 2 of 4

Your Contact Info

We'll send a confirmation to your email and text. We'll only be in touch if we have questions.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Service Address

We serve a 30-mile radius from Cary, NC, including:

Apex · Cary · Chapel Hill · Durham · Fuquay-Varina · Garner · Holly Springs · Morrisville · Raleigh · Wake Forest

Please enter a street address.
Address confirmed
Required.
Required.
Required.
It looks like your address may be outside our service area, which is a 30-mile radius from our storefront. You're welcome to submit your request — we'll be in touch if we have any questions about scheduling.
Please select your role.
If you're a renter, please make sure the property owner or manager can be present. Appointments without an authorized decision-maker may need to be rescheduled.
Please let us know how you heard about us.
Step 3 of 4

About Your Project

This helps us come prepared with the right products and samples.

Please select at least one.

For example: adding a window where there wasn't one, converting a window to a door, or structural changes.

Our appointments run about 90 minutes and include a product walkthrough and written estimate. It's most helpful when everyone who needs to review can be there.

Please let us know.
No problem. We'll bring written materials for anyone who can't make it. Keep in mind we can't finalize pricing without everyone who needs to review, so a follow-up may be needed.
Step 4 of 4

Confirm Your Appointment

Everything look right? Hit confirm and we'll take it from there.

By submitting, you agree to receive a confirmation email and text, and consent to be contacted by phone or text if we have any questions. We'll never share your information.

You're on the Calendar!

We'll send a confirmation to your email. We'll only reach out if we have questions.

Questions? Call us at (919) 854-6121

Due to inclement weather, our offices are closed today.

We anticipate reopening tomorrow. Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding.