You are certainly going to pay for the Integrity as a premium, how much depends, over the vinyl in most cases but consider the fact that these are the windows you are going to be looking at for the not to distant future.

Spend the money to make sure you get the window that you want to look at for that project time being.

I prefer the marvin " ultimate" double hung, its just a better looking window albeit a more expensive option. I dont know the details of the marvin integrity wood but i do know the marvin integrity all fiberglass/ ultrex has a very high air infiltration number which is a total deal breaker as far as me offering that window to any of my customers; its also a cheap looking window in my opinion. The marvin infinity is a much nicer looking window but i wish it had better energy efficiency/ air leakage numbers.
Have you ever thought of premium grade vinyl? Soft Lite offer a window called " Elements" that is very sharp looking and has one of the best air infiltration numbers i ever saw.

Thank you both for the feedback. The lumber yard also carries ThermoTech but it still has the vinyl look. If I had wood, in this case oak, everywhere else , is it going to look strange to have vinyl windows (even premium vinyl)? The floors will be oak, trim will be oak, cabinets will be oak, built-ins will be oak, fireplace surround will be oak. I'm not sure if you can tell but I'm a fan of consistency.

I do love the look of the Marvin Ultimate double-hungs. Any idea on a ballpark price range for standard size double-hungs in the Marvin Ultimate? Also, would you do the same windows in the basement level as upstairs?

As long as you are going with a light colored exterior the Integrity Wood Ultrex would be an excellent choice. Integrity does not have the same finish as the Marvin and the dark colors will fade after 9-10 years. I have them and love them (in Michigan). With all of the wood you are going to have in your home I think I vinyl window would look cheap. As far as the style of window a casement window is the most energy efficient style of window on the market. The reason being that is the wind is blowing on your home it is only pushing the window into the weatherstrip and frame tighter. You just have to be careful of where people will walk on the exterior of your home as you do not want people bumping their heads. As far as price goes Integrity runs about 25% lower than the Marvin brand, or is the case around here.

I was planning on white for the exterior of the windows and trim. I just don't think I will be happy looking at anything but wood on the inside.

The only window where someone might bump their head on a casement might be the master bath. My lot is a walkout and most of the windows are on the back of the house.

The Integrity Wood Ultrex is a great looking window. Yes all ultrex can be ugly when it comes to double hungs but stick with the wood ultrex. It has the same looks and profiles as a traditional wood window but at a lower cost and durable exterior.

+1 to Fenestration Taylor's feedback.

The Integrity in wood/fiberglass is a solid looking window and will fall right in line with what you are wanting to accomplish (i.e. wood interior).

Hi Katmu, +others

It's five years later and I have very similar questions that you had. Ironically, I'm also in Minnesota. I wanted to inquire about what you went with and if you had any further advice? I received a quote from Pella for my entire house at $18,000+ and my Contractor got a quote from Hayfield approx $10,000 less. He is urging us to go with them. Pella's quote includes the Impervia series which is fiberglass. And our contractor got his quote with vinyl from Hayfield. I'm concerned if I go with Hayfield. Am I cutting a corner on quality?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

Your cutting a corner either way as neither is what is considered a quality window. Are you using new construction or replacement windows? I would look at Integrity by Marvin if you are looking at fiberglass or Okna if vinyl.

Looks like this is an ago old question... any retrospect from these past decisions?