Windows and Doors Made Simple / Anderson window Order Breakdown

Andersen Window Series Overview

Material: Fibrex (a wood-fiber + PVC composite, durable and low-maintenance).
Positioning: Entry-level Andersen series; more affordable than wood-clad lines.
Styles: Available in common styles (casement, awning, glider, picture, single/double-hung).
Colors: Limited color palette (fewer exterior/interior finish options).
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Many standard sizes are stocked in white, black, and a few common colors.
• Special-order for custom sizes, grille patterns, and less common colors.

Material: Solid wood interior with a vinyl exterior cladding.
Positioning: Value wood-clad line (simpler options than the 400 or A Series).
Styles: Primarily double-hung, gliding, picture, and specialty shapes.
Colors: More limited exterior colors than higher-end series.
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Several stock sizes available in common configurations (double-hungs and gliders).
• Expanded options (grilles, glass, hardware) are special order.

Material: Wood interior with a vinyl exterior cladding.
Positioning: Andersen’s flagship line — balance of performance, options, and availability.
Styles: Broadest range in wood-clad, including casement, awning, glider, picture, specialty shapes, and Frenchwood patio doors.
Colors: Good range of exterior colors, multiple interior wood species/finishes.
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Many stock sizes in white and popular colors (especially casements and double-hungs).
• Special order expands to custom sizes, factory stain/painted interiors, unusual grille designs, and broader color range.

Material: All-vinyl construction.
Positioning: Builder-grade / retail channel product line (often seen at Home Depot & Menards).
Styles: Focused on common types like double-hung and slider.
Colors: Very limited — usually white or almond.
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Heavily stocked in standard sizes at retail.
• Some special orders available, but limited customization compared to 100/200/400/A/E.

Material: Solid wood interior with extruded aluminum exterior cladding.
Positioning: Premium architectural line, full customization.
Styles: Wide range of window and door types, specialty shapes, large format, custom curves.
Colors: 50+ standard exterior colors, custom color matching, anodized finishes.
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Almost entirely special order due to the high degree of customization.
• Stock items are rare; this line is meant for design flexibility.

Material: Fibrex composite + fiberglass + wood-clad hybrid.
Positioning: High-performance line engineered for energy efficiency and architectural consistency.
Styles: Full range — casement, awning, picture, double-hung, and specialty shapes.
Colors: Broad palette, though not as unlimited as E-Series.
Stock vs. Special Order:
• Mostly special order because of broad options and high customization.
• Some distributors may carry a few standard sizes in common colors, but less common than 400 Series.

Good / Better / Best Ladder:
• 100 / 2400 → Affordable entry-level, practical for budget-conscious or rental properties.
• 200 / 400 → Mid-range, balance between customization and cost; 400 more flexible than 200.
• A / E Series → Premium lines for high-end projects, design flexibility, or custom architectural needs.
Stock vs. Special Order Strategy:
• Builders or quick-turn projects lean on 100, 200, 2400, and some 400 stock sizes.
• Homeowners wanting tailored designs, energy upgrades, or non-standard openings go with 400, A, or E special orders.
Andersen's higher-end wood and custom options are generally more expensive,
Color Considerations:
• Stock lines = white, black, almond, limited.
• Special orders = expanded palettes (200/400) → full customization (A/E). Anderson Terratone

In practice:

For fast installs or budget projects → 100, 200, 2400, stock 400.
For custom remodels, additions, or HOA-driven color compliance → special-order 400, A, or E.
For architectural or luxury homes → A Series or E Series (unlimited design).

Andersen Window Series Explained (100, 200, 2400, 400, A, E)