Standard Vinyl vs. 400 Series Wood
Side x Side
You can’t test drive your windows. so we did it for you.
Sure, vinyl is affordable. But is it the right choice for your home? To find out, we took a beautiful 90-year-old home and replaced its original wood windows—twice. First with standard vinyl and then with 400 Series insert windows with wood interiors. We documented the process so you could experience the SideXSide difference for yourself.
Interior options
Our wood species options are ready to accept any stain to match
your home's interior.
White
Our low-maintenance white interior saves you the time and trouble of painting.
White Interiors
While our SideXSide comparison showcases the beauty of natural wood, our white finishes give you all of the benefits of wood and match your painted white interiors.
STANDARD VINYL VS. BEAUTIFUL WOOD
When it comes to aesthetics, vinyl simply can’t compare to the beauty of real wood. Available in multiple wood interiors Andersen makes it easy to maintain your home’s original character.
Choose from a variety of hardware styles and finishes.
Choose from hand lifts or finger lifts in three styles and a variety of finishes.
When you choose Andersen® patio doors, you'll enjoy a wider selection of hardware styles and finishes than you'll find with just about any other manufacturer.
MORE HARDWARE STYLES. MORE FINISHES.
You shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to windows. That’s why Andersen® windows and patio doors come with more hardware options than vinyl alternatives. Choose from an impressive selection of hardware styles and finishes to match your home’s style.
Glass Types
We offer several energy-saving glass types optimized for various climates to reduce energy usage and costs. Choose from Low-E4 glass, SmartSun™ glass, Sun glass and more.
Art Glass
If you can dream it, we can make it. Choose from standard patterns or create your own custom design.
Grilles
Grilles offer a timeless, handcrafted style to your home. We can match virtually any existing grille with a variety of grille patterns, widths and configurations.
No Frills vs. Custom Designs
While vinyl windows can only hope to imitate your home’s original wood designs, Andersen® 400 Series windows deliver true wood grilles and authentic art glass. So don’t just replace your windows, improve your home.
To give you an authentic look, our sash joints simulate traditional mortise-and-tenon construction inside and out.
Wood covers most operating hardware for a seamless design.
Divided lights cast warm shadows across your home, mimicking traditional window aesthetics for an authentic appearance.
Rough aesthetics vs Attention to Detail
Andersen® 400 Series windows and patio doors are handcrafted by skilled tradesmen who create beautiful, seamless joints. Vinyl windows—with imperfect joints and visible weather strips—simply can’t compete.
Andersen is the brand of windows and patio doors trade professionals recommend most.*
Andersen® 400 Series windows have been named a Best Buy for Window Replacement by Consumers Digest.
Our warranty coverage transfers from one owner to the next, adding value when you sell.
The Andersen national service network includes over 900 factory-trained service provider companies to resolve both warranty and non-warranty requests.
Vinyl can’t give you over 110 years of excellence.
We’ve been crafting windows and patio doors for more than a century and we’re here to stay. We recognize that our name is on the line. That earning awards and contractor’s preference means something. And that our limited warranty makes a difference. Most vinyl window companies can’t say the same.
Exterior trim colors
For more curb appeal, add exterior trim. Made of Fibrex® material, our trim never needs painting, and it won't fade, flake, blister, chalk or peel no matter what the climate.*
Limited Color Options vs. Custom Combinations
Many vinyl windows offer only two exterior color options, which can be limiting when you’re looking to enhance curb appeal. Andersen® 400 Series' Perma-Shield® exterior lets you create a custom look with seven window colors and eleven trim colors available.
CASE STUDY HOUSE
Take a closer look at the SideXSide details of our Saint Paul, MN case study home below.
WHERE TO START
Replacing your windows doesn't have to be hard. Now that you know how Andersen 400 Series stack up against vinyl,
it's time to take the first step.
