Basic
$171 – $391 each
1/2 in. exterior plywood cut to the opening and screwed to the exterior frame
Rendering: BuildX
How Much Does Boardup Window Cost in Chicago, Illinois?
Emergency board-up of one standard residential window opening with exterior plywood.
Boardup Window in Chicago, Illinois typically costs $201 to $460 each as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Boardup Window in Chicago, Illinois
$201 – $460
eachPrices in Chicago are 19.0% higher than the national average for boardup window.
National average: $175 – $400 each
What you get at each price level
Standard
$201 – $460 each
5/8 in. exterior plywood cut to fit, screwed to framing at close spacing, edges trimmed tight
Premium
$252 – $575 each
3/4 in. exterior plywood with 2x4 strongbacks and through-bolts for security, cut for a tight fit
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $85 – $193 | each |
| Labor | labor | $79 – $182 | each |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $22 – $51 | each |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $15 – $34 | each |
Prices adjusted for Chicago local market conditions.
Boardup Window photo examples
Circular saw cutting plywood to window size
Rendering: BuildX
Find a pro to do thisPlywood panel screwed over a window opening
Rendering: BuildX
Find a pro to do this
Cost Factors in Chicago, Illinois
What Affects Pricing
- Materials ($79.00-$180.00 per unit)
- Labor ($61.00-$140.00 per unit)
- Supplies & Other ($21.00-$48.00 per unit)
- Equipment & Disposal ($14.00-$32.00 per unit)
Local Price Adjustments
Material costs7.0% above avg
Labor costs30.0% above avg
Labor costs in Chicago run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- UseCalcPro: Emergency Board-Up Cost, usecalcpro.com, retrieved Nov 2026
- Construction wages by metro and rural area, used for the labor adjustment by ZIP code, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- Regional price parities for goods, used for the materials adjustment by ZIP code, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024
Get Free Estimates in Chicago
Connect with local boardup window contractors in Chicago for personalized quotes based on your specific project.