Andersen’s 200 and 400 Series are two of the brand’s most popular product lines, each designed to meet different needs depending on the home’s window styles and the owner’s preferences. This guide offers a straightforward comparison to help you decide which series is the right fit for your window project.
Similarities Between the 200 and 400 Series
As we get started comparing the 200 Series versus the 400 Series, let’s take a look at the commonalities between the two product lines.
Materials: Both feature vinyl-clad wood exteriors with wood interiors. The 400 Series offers a wider range of colors and wood species.
Energy Efficiency: Both lines offer multiple glass options and are Energy Star Version 6.0 certified.
Warranty: Both lines offer the Owner-2-Owner transferable warranty that covers glass for 20 years and non-glass components for 10 years from the date of purchase.
200 vs 400 Series: Understanding the Differences
Andersen’s 200 Series features a streamlined selection of vinyl-clad wood windows and patio doors. By focusing on only the most popular styles, the 200 Series delivers Andersen quality at a great value for homeowners.
The Andersen 400 Series also features a classic wood interior with low-maintenance vinyl exterior cladding. The 400 Series is Andersen’s most popular product line, offering more window styles and custom options than the 200 Series.
| Andersen 200 vs 400 Series | ||
| 200 Series | 400 Series | |
| Window Styles | 3 window styles | 7 window styles |
| Interior | Wood | Wood |
| Interior Finish Options | White or Pine | White, Black, Dark Bronze, Pine, Maple, Oak |
| Exterior | Perma-Shield vinyl-clad wood | Perma-Shield vinyl-clad wood |
| Exterior Finish Options | White, Sandtone | 7 colors |
| Exterior Trim | Fibrex composite exterior trim in 11 colors | Fibrex composite exterior trim in 11 colors |
| Stock Sizing Options | Standard | Expanded options |
| Divided Lites | Between panes, simulated, removable interior grilles | 200 series options plus full divided lites |
| Door Styles | Hinged and gliding patio doors | Hinged and gliding patio doors, larger sizes |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star certified v. 6.0 | Energy Star certified v. 6.0 |
Andersen 200 Series Highlights
Andersen 200 Series windows and patio doors are available in a streamlined collection of the most popular window replacement styles. Window types include double hung, gliding, and picture. Patio doors are available as French doors or sliding patio doors.
200 Series windows feature classic wood interiors and vinyl-clad wood exteriors. This combination of a weather-resistant vinyl-clad exterior, a solid wood frame for structural strength, and a natural wood interior offers performance and durability that exceed what vinyl alone can provide.
Window interiors are available in White or unfinished stain-grade pine. Exterior colors include White and Sandtone. Patio doors have white interiors with White, Sandtone, or Terratone Exteriors.
200 Series window aesthetics can be enhanced with supplemental Fibrex trim available in 11 colors. Fibrex is a durable, low-maintenance composite made with 40% recycled content.
The 200 Series does have several grille options, including placement of grilles between the panes, simulated divided lites, and removable interior grilles.
Andersen is known for its extensive glass options, and the 200 Series does not disappoint. It offers several options to enhance energy efficiency, including Low-E, Low-E Smart Sun, clear dual-pane, and HeatLock coating.
Overall, the 200 Series offers quality replacement windows with consolidated options and a simplified ordering process.
Why choose the 200 Series?
Warm Wood Interiors: Pine interior offers a warm, classic look.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Exteriors: Exclusive Andersen Perma-Shield system creates tough, protective shell that safeguards the wood inside.
Simplified Ordering: Streamlined choices and ordering process, particularly beneficial for projects requiring standard sizes.
Accessible Price Point: Uncommon value without sacrificing quality and performance.
When to Consider Another Line:
Project requires larger or custom sizes beyond what the 200 Series offers.
New construction projects, while the 200 Series is best for replacement windows.
Prefer the expanded color options in another line.
Need additional window styles beyond double hung, picture, and gliding.
Location needs Stormwatch glass for protection from coastal climates.
Andersen 400 Series Highlights
The 400 Series is Andersen’s most popular product line, offering an expanded selection of windows and doors compared to the 200 Series. There are seven window types including double hung, awning, bay & bow, casement, picture, gliding, and specialty. There’s also a special version of the double hung, the Woodwright double hung, and we’ll talk more about it later on.
Like the 200 Series, patio door styles include gliding and hinged patio doors, but the 400 Series offers larger maximum widths.
Both series feature classic wood interiors and vinyl-clad wood exteriors. The Perma-Shield vinyl cladding adds durability and weather protection while the solid wood frame provides strength, delivering performance that surpasses typical vinyl windows.
Andersen 400 Series windows can be ordered with additional color options. Window interiors are available not only in unfinished pine and White, but also in Dark Bronze and Black. Note that Dark Bronze and Black aren’t available in a split finish, meaning interiors have matching exteriors.
Exterior colors include White and Sandtone in the 200 Series. Upgrading to 400 Series windows increases the exterior color options to a total of seven: White, Canvas, Sandtone, Terratone, Forest Green, Dark Bronze, and Black.
Fibrex exterior trim can also be added to 400 Series windows and is available in the same 11 colors offered in the 200 Series.
400 Series Frenchwood patio doors can be ordered in White or with unfinished pine, oak, or maple interiors. There are four exterior door colors available: White, Sandtone, Terratone, or Forest Green.
As with the 200 Series, homeowners can choose between several grille options, including placement of grilles between the panes, simulated divided lites, and removable interior grilles.
The 400 Series also offers an upgrade called “Full Divided Light,” where grilles are applied to the interior and exterior of the window with spacers between the panes to create a more authentic look.
The 400 Series double-hung sash lock has an elevated look, and optional upgrades are available for bar lifts, hand lifts, and finger lifts.
Andersen is known for its extensive glass options, and the 400 Series offers several options to enhance energy efficiency, including Low-E4, Low-E4 Sun, Low-E4 Smart Sun, and HeatLock coating.
Ring’s End is happy to help customers throughout Connecticut choose the glass options that work best in our New England climate.
Product Spotlight: 400 Series Woodwright Double-Hung Window
The Woodwright’s design is similar to the 400 Tiltwash double hung window, but the Woodwright has additional features that homeowners love:
Interior wood is available in unfinished maple and oak as well as the standard pine.
The enhanced sash lock is available in an additional 8 finishes for a total of 12 choices.
The interior jam liner functions seamlessly for easier window washing.
This popular upgrade in the 400 Series costs about $200 more per window on average compared with the standard 400 Series double-hung window. Homeowners often ask about the availability of these features in other styles—the double hung is the only window style with the Woodwright extras.
Andersen 400 Series windows and doors are among our best sellers because of their quality and multitude of options. Let’s look at why so many of our customers choose them.
Why choose the 400 Series?
Custom Sizes: Custom heights and widths in all window types.
More Window Styles: 7 styles for flexibility to match the home’s design.
Additional Wood Species: Maple and oak interiors available in the Woodwright double hung window.
More Interior and Exterior Colors: 8 exterior colors paired with 6 interior choices.
Hardware Options: 400 Series hardware upgrades are available.
Coastal Climate: Location needs Stormwatch glass for protection from storms.
When to Consider Another Line:
Project requires less customization in terms of sizes, colors, and styles, allowing the 200 Series to meet project needs at a lower project cost.
Enhanced customization is needed for architectural authenticity, which aligns better with the A-Series.
Mixing Windows and Doors from Different Andersen Lines
Some homeowners consider mixing and matching window lines to balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget. For instance, homeowners might choose 200 Series doors while selecting 400 Series Woodwright windows for all of the double-hung windows in the home.
If you’re considering mixing window product lines, keep these principles in mind:
Seek design coherence between street-facing and rear-facing windows.
Use the same exterior finish on all windows.
Match window hardware finishes.
Experience Andersen at a Local Showroom Throughout Connecticut
Customers tell us that seeing Andersen’s collections in person made all the difference. Being able to compare styles side by side, examine the materials up close, and get answers to their questions helped them move forward with confidence.
As an installing dealer of Andersen Windows in New England, Ring’s End offers:
Free consultations at any of our eight showrooms that feature dozens of window and door styles.
Window and door experts to help you plan your project and place the order.
Licensed window installation services for both new construction and window replacement projects, serving Connecticut, Westchester County, NY, and South County, RI.
Stop by a showroom or schedule a consultation ahead of time—we’re here to provide clear answers and helpful support!