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thalmrast

Black Interior Windows

9 years ago

We're looking to do new home construction in Minnesota and wanted something maintenance free. After seeing lots of black windows on models we've been sold on that look.

Our builder uses Windsor windows which can't do black interior windows unless you use wood interiors (which we'd like to avoid due to maintenance reasons).

We saw that Anderson 100 has black interior windows but our builder thinks the Anderson 100 is not a good window.

We also came across Pella Impervia windows. We liked that the hardware they support is available in a traditional look and in oil rubbed bronze (which is what most of the hardware in the house is in). We went to a Pella showroom and really liked the black patio door they had on display (that was the only black Impervia piece they had, the others were not in black).

What would people recommend for maintenance-free interior black windows these days?

Thank you!

Comments (16)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Even though it is, by placement, the more entry level window...I like the 100 in that comparison. Anything available from Andersen in the upper lines in a black interior?

  • 9 years ago

    From what I can tell the higher level Andersons are all wood interiors so you can do painted wood. Though, I think if we end up going with a wood window we would just go with a wood stain. We're trying to keep to to vinyl or fiberglass or composite to keep maintenance and costs down.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Black windows are becoming more and more popular interior and exterior and we're often asked about colors on the interior. There a some vinyl window manufacturers that do offer a paintable interior, which is basically a wood laminate which is typically the route our customers generally go. Basically any wood window can be painted black obviously. If you want the grids in between the glass is where we typically start getting hung up. Out of four manufacturers I tried to source black interior w internal grids Marvin was the only one willing and charged over $2k just for a setup charge to do so. Obviously SDLs are an option as well, although they aesthetically look nicer GBG's are so much easier to deal with and most customers preference

  • 9 years ago

    I saw the wood laminate showing up as an option when I was googling around. Does this mean it is just a vinyl window with a thin wood laminate adhered to it that you can then stain/paint? If so, does this make the window much thicker? Is there a reason that Marvin/Pella/Andersen don't offer this (maybe it would cannibalize their wood sales?) ?

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    That's correct, and no, it is no thicker at all. Its an adhered film on the interior surface. It is a pretty compelling option... As far as GBG's to match, if a particular manufacturer offers gbg's in bronze, that can be pretty darn close, especially with the tint of the glass taking effect as well.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Yes there are companies that do a wood laminate i know one called Interstate Composite wood out of PA..but the jambliner is still white on a double hung .. i thought marvin did offer a wood laminate on the all ultrex window not sure if it can be painted or not but they do in their infinity pocket have the wood laminate

  • 9 years ago

    There are multiple options with a paintable/stainable interior that don't show the white jamb. Also, Marvin does not offer a paintable/stainable on the Integrity last time I checked. That would defeat the purpose of the Infinity, can't imagine those guys would be very happy

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    If you are going with casements, 100 series is pretty good at what it does. Wood veneered vinyl gets pretty expensive when you are painting both sides.

  • 9 years ago

    My Andersen 100s are 2 years old now. I have commented in more detail on other threads. They are a good looking window and I feel the quality is decent. I would buy them again. My exteriors are black with white interior.

  • 9 years ago

    @windsorwindows Thanks for the reply! Our builder actually normally uses Windsor Windows but we were looking at Pella Impervia because of the black interior look (without using wood) that we wanted.

    How is the painted vinyl applied and what is the warranty on the painted vinyl? Also, are you able to do put oil-rubbed bronze hardware on the windows?

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    @thalmrast - Our painted vinyl products use RoyalBond™ Spectra-Coat paint. The RoyalBond™ Spectra-Coat formula is engineered to provide superior adhesion to PVC vinyl profiles, is certified to meet the most stringent paint standard for vinyl extrusions and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

    What type of vinyl product are you looking for… casement, single hung, double hung or sliding windows? Will you need patio doors? Our standard hardware offerings for vinyl products don't include oiled rubbed bronze hardware, but we may be able to get the hardware in a dark finish once we know the products you need. For more personalized service, we invite you or your builder to call our office at 1-800-218-6186 and ask to speak to our Director of Product Development. He will be happy to help you find a solution. We look forward to hearing from you!


  • 9 years ago

    Just putting this out there, take it how you want but there is not a window pro (on this forum or otherwise) that I am aware of that will recommend anything Windsor. I am certain I will get some flack for saying this but I will stand by my words.

  • 9 years ago

    Hi there, I think Pella impervia is the best solution for your problem, because Pella Impervia windows feature a durable powder-coat finish for the stylish look of painted wood also Available prefinished in your choice of White, Tan, Morning Sky Gray, Brown or Black. It has Long lasting performance. :)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    millworkman's statement is probably worthy of a re-quote here with the reference to Pella in the same context.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    @millworkman – At Windsor Windows & Doors we strive for
    continual improvement with the goal of providing the best windows and doors for
    homeowners’ budgets. We take all comments about our products very seriously,
    and I’ve noticed that you seem to have had a bad experience with Windsor in the
    past. As a long-time millwork man, myself, I invite you to give me a call so I
    can gain a better understanding of your experiences and hopefully show how we
    have addressed those issues. Please call me at 1-800-218-6186 and ask to
    speak to Scott Renke, Director of Sales. I value your input and look forward to
    your call.