Buying Guide
Custom vs Standard Window Well Covers
Both keep your window wells covered and safe. The difference is fit, finish, and how much of the work we handle for you. Here’s a clear side-by-side so you can pick the right cover with confidence.
At a glance
Good option, or best option
Best
Custom Window Well Covers
Measured, built, and installed by our team for an exact, low-profile fit on almost any window well. The cleanest look and the strongest protection we offer.
Good
Standard Window Well Covers
Off-the-shelf covers in set sizes at the lowest price. A strong choice when your window well is a common size and you’re comfortable measuring it yourself.
Steel Window Well Covers
Steel: Custom vs Standard
CustomEach window well is professionally measured by our team.
Measurements
StandardCustomer provides measurements.
CustomOne price for any size cover under 84″ wide.
Pricing
StandardPricing based on size.
CustomFree installation.
Installation
StandardFree pickup. Additional charge for installation.
CustomEach cover is built to order.
Availability
StandardMost sizes typically in stock.
CustomBuilt precisely for a perfect fit on each window well.
Sizing
StandardOff-the-shelf fit. Generally oversized by a few inches. 12 sizes to choose from.
CustomInner fit system. This low profile allows the cover to sit flat in areas like patios and walkways.
Fit
StandardOuter fit. Standard covers sit on the outside of the window well, so they are not ideal in all scenarios.
CustomSolutions for almost any window well.
Compatibility
StandardLimited to standard window wells that are true to the original size and shape from the manufacturer.
Custom400 lbs
Weight Rating
Standard300 lbs
CustomGreat for keeping kids, pets, toys, large leaves, and more out of the window well.
Purpose
StandardKeeps people and pets from falling in.
CustomLifetime
Structural Warranty
Standard5 year
Custom10 year
Finish Warranty
Standard5 year
Polycarbonate Window Well Covers
Polycarbonate: Custom vs Standard
CustomEach window well is professionally measured by our team.
Measurements
StandardCustomer provides measurements.
CustomOne price for any size cover under 84″ wide.
Pricing
StandardPricing based on size.
CustomFree installation.
Installation
StandardFree pickup. Additional charge for installation.
CustomEach cover is built to order.
Availability
StandardMost sizes typically in stock.
CustomBuilt precisely for a perfect fit on each window well.
Sizing
StandardOff-the-shelf fit. Generally oversized by a few inches. 10 sizes to choose from.
CustomInner fit system. This low profile allows the cover to sit flat in areas like patios and walkways.
Fit
StandardOuter fit. Standard covers sit on the outside of the window well, so they are not ideal in all scenarios.
CustomSolutions for almost any window well.
Compatibility
StandardLimited to standard window wells that are true to the original size and shape from the manufacturer.
Custom400 lbs
Weight Rating
Standard250 lbs
CustomGreat for keeping trash, leaves, small debris, and most of the water out of window wells.
Purpose
StandardKeeps both large and small debris out of the window well, and helps shed water from rain and snow.
CustomLifetime
Structural Warranty
Standard5 year
Custom10 year
Finish Warranty
Standard5 year
Which is right for you
Choose the cover that fits your well and your plans
Choose custom if
- Your window well has an unusual size or shape
- You want the cleanest, most finished appearance
- Your cover will be visible from a patio or landscaping
- You want the strongest cover available
- You’d rather have us measure and install everything
Choose standard if
- You have a common-size window well
- You’re looking for the most economical option
- You want excellent protection at the lowest price
- You’re comfortable taking basic measurements yourself
Common Questions
Standard cover fit, answered
Will a standard cover fit my window well?
Standard covers come in set sizes built to the most common window well dimensions. If your well is a common size and true to its original shape, a standard cover will fit. Send us your measurements first and we’ll confirm before you order.
Do standard covers fit on all standard wells?
They fit wells that match the original manufacturer’s size and shape. Wells that have shifted, been cut down, or are an unusual shape may need a custom cover instead.
Can I send a picture of my window well to double-check that a standard cover will work?
Yes. Send a photo along with your width, depth, and height measurements and our team will tell you whether a standard cover fits or a custom cover is the better call.
Do I only need to measure one of my window wells?
Measure each well you want covered. Sizes often vary from well to well, even on the same house, so one measurement won’t always cover them all.
What if a standard cover does not fit my window well?
Then a custom cover is the answer. We measure your exact well, build the cover to fit, and install it, so you get a perfect fit on wells a standard size can’t cover.
Not sure which one fits? We can help.
Send us your window well measurements and we’ll point you to the right cover, no guesswork. Or jump straight to whichever you already know you need.
Have a question about your well? Contact our team.