Are Metal Window Well Covers Better Than Plastic?

If you're shopping for window well covers, you're going to run into two very different types of products: metal grates and plastic covers. They look different, they're priced differently, and they perform very differently over time. The short answer is that metal window well covers are better — but understanding why helps you make the right call for your specific home and situation.

THE CASE FOR PLASTIC WINDOW WELL COVERS

Plastic covers — typically made from polycarbonate or polyethylene — have one thing going for them: price. They're cheap, they're available at any big-box hardware store, and they can be installed in minutes.

The better plastic covers are made from polycarbonate, which is significantly stronger than standard polyethylene and handles temperature swings better. Clear polycarbonate covers also let more natural light into the basem

ent, which is a real advantage if your basement windows are your primary light source.

But plastic has real limitations. Even polycarbonate yellows and becomes brittle over time with UV exposure. Most plastic covers aren't rated to handle significant weight — a child stepping on one, or a heavy snow load, is a real safety concern. And cheap polyethylene covers can crack, warp, or blow away entirely in wind.

WHY METAL WINDOW WELL COVERS ARE THE BETTER CHOICE

Steel window well covers solve the problems that plastic can't. Here's what actually matters when you're making this decision:

Strength. A quality steel window well cover is rated to handle hundreds of pounds of static load. Feldhawk's covers are engineered to hold over 400 lbs — meaning a full-grown adult can step on the cover without any concern. That's the number that matters when you're thinking about child safety, pet safety, or anyone working near that area of your yard.

Durability. Steel doesn't yellow in the sun. It doesn't become brittle in cold weather. A powder-coated steel cover — like every cover Feldhawk makes — has a finish that resists scratches, rust, and the general wear that comes with living outdoors year-round. The matte black powder coat finish looks as sharp on installation day as it will years down the road.

Design. This is where metal covers genuinely separate themselves from plastic. A cheap plastic bubble cover does one thing: it sits on top of your window well and tries not to be noticed. A well-designed metal grate actually adds to the look of your home. Feldhawk's

Designer Series covers — with Chevron, Victorian, and Diamond pattern options — are the only window well covers on the market designed to complement your home's architecture rather than hide from it. They're conversation pieces. Homeowners on your street will notice them.

Fit. Pre-fabricated plastic covers come in standard sizes. If your window well doesn't match those dimensions exactly, you end up with gaps or a cover that doesn't sit securely. Feldhawk covers are available in a range of sizes and can be custom-specified for non-standard wells, so you get a cover that actually fits — not one you're forcing into place.

THE ONE ADVANTAGE PLASTIC STILL HAS

Clear polycarbonate covers let more direct light into the basement. If your below-grade windows are the only natural light source for a finished basement room, that matters. Metal grates allow light through — the mesh design is intentionally open — but they do filter more than a clear plastic cover.

For most homeowners, the tradeoff isn't worth it. The safety, strength, durability, and appearance advantages of steel far outweigh a marginal difference in light transmission. But it's worth knowing.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD METAL WINDOW WELL COVER

Not all metal covers are equal. Here's what to look for:

Weight capacity rating. A cover rated for 400+ lbs gives you real peace of mind. Covers that don't publish a weight rating are usually thinner-gauge metal that won't hold up the same way.

Powder coat finish. Raw or painted metal will rust. A proper powder coat finish — applied after fabrication — bonds to the metal and creates a much more durable, weather-resistant surface than spray paint or dip coating.

Cold-rolled steel construction. Feldhawk covers are built from cold-rolled steel, which is denser and stronger than hot-rolled alternatives. That's what allows the 400 lb capacity rating while keeping the cover a manageable weight for installation and removal.

Egress compatibility. If your window well is over an egress window — a basement bedroom or finished living space — your cover must be openable from the inside without tools in an emergency. Confirm this before you buy. Feldhawk covers are designed to be removed quickly from below in exactly this situation.

Sizing. Measure the width of your window well at its widest point and the depth from the foundation wall. Add 1–2 inches to the width only, then round up to the nearest available size. However, not all wells are shaped the same, so If you're not sure about fit - please reach out to us before buying for a diagram of your specific size.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Plastic window well covers are a budget option that works adequately for low-traffic areas where appearance doesn't matter and safety loads are minimal. Metal window well covers are the right choice for any home where safety, longevity, and curb appeal are the priority — which is most homes.

If you're going to do this once and do it right, steel is the answer. Browse Feldhawk's full cover lineup — including our Designer Series patterns — at feldhawk.com. Not sure which size fits your well? Send us your measurements and we'll point you in the right direction.