Window Stays

How to Choose a Window Stay

A window stay is used to hold an opening casement at a selected position. If you are replacing an existing fitting, compare the new stay with the hardware already installed rather than choosing by appearance alone.

Before ordering, consider:

• the type and size of the timber casement;
• the overall stay length;
• the available fixing space;
• the position of existing fixing points and stay pins;
• whether a compatible locking pin or stay lock is required; and
• the style and finish of the other window hardware.

Product dimensions and fixing arrangements vary, so use the measurements supplied on the individual product page as the final reference. For further guidance, see How to Measure Window Stays.

Traditional Casement Window Stay Designs

Monkeytail, Pear Drop and Shepherd’s Crook stays are recognisable designs for timber casement windows. Ball End, Spoon End and other styles provide further options where you want the stay to coordinate with existing window furniture.

Where suitable, stays can be paired with window fasteners from the same design or finish family. If finish is an important part of your project, browse our Brass Window Hardware or Traditional Window Hardware collections.

Specialist Window Stays

Our range also includes sliding, quadrant and roller-arm stays. These operate differently from conventional peg-style stays, so suitability, positioning and fitting requirements should be checked against the individual product before ordering.

If you are choosing hardware specifically for a fanlight window, visit our Fanlight Window Furniture collection for the dedicated range of fanlight catches, stays and opening hardware.

Matching Window Stays and Fasteners

A window stay and a window fastener perform different jobs. The stay holds an opening casement at a chosen position, while the fastener is used to hold the casement closed against the frame.

If you are replacing both fittings or putting together a coordinated set, browse our Window Fasteners and compare the available designs and finishes with your chosen stay.

Locking Window Stays

Some window stays can be used with a separate locking pin or stay lock. Compatibility is product-specific, so check the information supplied for both the stay and the locking accessory rather than assuming that every locking fitting can be used with every stay.

For selected fittings from our branded high-performance range, browse Armor-Coat Window Furniture.

Installing a Window Stay

Before fitting a new stay, check that the casement opens and closes correctly and that the proposed fixing points are in sound timber. The stay should move freely and sit correctly in its intended positions without being forced out of alignment.

Positioning and fixing arrangements vary between stay types. For practical guidance covering positioning, pilot holes, stay pins and final alignment, see How to Install Window Stays.

Complete Your Window Hardware

Window stays form one part of the wider casement hardware arrangement. For window fasteners, Espag handles, sash fittings, fanlight hardware and other fittings for timber windows, return to our complete Window Handles & Hardware collection.