If you’re comparing Andersen windows and stuck on Andersen 100 vs 400 windows brand comparison, you’re not alone.
Both series windows are well-known, energy efficient, and suitable for replacement windows or new construction. The differences come down to materials, look, options, maintenance, and budget.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Category | Andersen 100 Series | Andersen 400 Series |
| Core Material | Fibrex composite with reclaimed wood fiber | Wood interior with vinyl exterior |
| Look and Feel | Modern, consistent finishes | Classic wood interiors, paint or stain |
| Maintenance | Very low, inside and out | Low outside, periodic care inside |
| Styles Offered | Common types covered (casement, awning, picture, single hung, double hung) | Broadest mix of types, sizes, and options |
| Customization | Streamlined options, fixed color sets | Wider interior woods, stains, hardware, custom sizes |
| Typical Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best Use Cases | Bathrooms, utility spaces, modern design, budget control | Main living spaces, design-forward rooms, matching wood trim |
Materials and Construction
Andersen 100 Series
- Frame and sash: Fibrex composite, which includes a significant portion of reclaimed wood fiber.
- Interior and exterior: factory-finished composite, available in a set of exterior colors.
- Feel and look: slimmer, modern profiles; consistent color finish; no risk of paint peeling on the interior.
- Best fit: homeowners who want low maintenance, stable frames, and a contemporary vibe.
Andersen 400 Series
- Frame and sash: wood interiors with a vinyl exterior cladding.
- Interior: real wood that can be stained or painted to match trim and furniture.
- Exterior: a protected vinyl skin for weather resistance and low maintenance.
- Best fit: those who love the warmth and customization of wood interiors without the burden of a fully exposed wood exterior.
Energy Efficiency
Both product lines can be very energy efficient when specified with the right glass. Focus on:
- Low E glass options to manage solar heat and protect furnishings.
- Insulated glass units with argon fill and warm-edge spacers.
- Tight installation for minimal air leakage.
In typical setups, performance is comparable; 400 Series may offer more glass packages and configurations, while 100 Series delivers solid efficiency with fewer choices.
If you want the most energy savings, compare actual U-value and SHGC on the exact units you’re considering.
Styles, Sizes, and Options
You’ll find familiar window types in both lines, including casement, awning windows, picture, single hung, and double hung options, along with specialty shapes.
The 400 Series usually carries the broader menu of sizes, interior woods, stains, hardware finishes, and grille patterns, plus more custom sizes.
The 100 Series offers a tight, sensible set of styles and sizes that cover most homes without overwhelming you.
If you’re mixing windows and doors, both lines integrate well across a house. You can also combine product lines in different rooms: for example, 400 Series in living spaces with wood interiors, and 100 Series in bathrooms or utility areas where low maintenance and stable finishes shine.
Durability and Maintenance
100 Series (Fibrex Composite)
- Low maintenance inside and out.
- Won’t rot, peel, or need regular painting on the interior.
- Color is factory-applied; routine cleaning is usually just mild soap and water.
400 Series (Wood Interior, Vinyl Exterior)
- Exterior is low maintenance, similar to quality vinyl windows.
- Interior is real wood: finish it well and it rewards you with long life and beautiful grain. You’ll occasionally refresh paint or stain, especially on sun-drenched elevations.
- Great long-term fit if you want wood trim alignment and the option to change interior colors later.
Cost and Value
As a general rule, Andersen 100 Series comes in at a friendlier price point than Andersen 400. You’re paying for the wood interior, broadened options, and customization in the 400 Series.
If you want the look and feel of real wood inside, the 400 Series often justifies the premium. If your priority is a strong, low maintenance frame with a modern profile, the 100 Series delivers excellent value.
Cleaning and Care
- 100 Series: clean the composite surfaces with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh abrasives. Check sash tracks seasonally and keep weep paths open.
- 400 Series: treat the exterior like other low maintenance claddings. For wood interiors, use gentle, non-ammonia cleaners. If you have stained wood interiors, follow the finish manufacturer’s care guidance.
When Andersen 100 Makes More Sense
- You prefer low maintenance, color-stable interiors that won’t peel.
- You want a composite frame that handles humidity swings well.
- You like clean lines and a more contemporary profile.
- You’re balancing performance with a tighter budget on a whole-house project.
When Andersen 400 Is the Better Fit
- You want wood interiors you can stain to match existing trim or cabinetry.
- Your design calls for traditional details and a wide palette of hardware and grille options.
- You need custom sizes or a broader selection of shapes for architectural alignment.
- You’re comfortable with periodic interior finish touch-ups in exchange for the warmth of wood.
A Note on Other Andersen Lines
If you’re exploring beyond 100 and 400, the A Series leans heavily into performance and architectural detail, while other product lines fill specific niches.
For many homeowners comparing Andersen windows, the decision still comes down to this: composite simplicity and value in the 100 Series, or wood interiors and expanded options in the 400 Series.
Find Your Best Fit: Andersen 100 vs 400, Room by Room
Windows For Life can map materials, styles, and energy priorities to each space, then present clear side-by-side window installation choices with pricing—call us at (615) 861-2315 or message us here.