This must be regional- what is wrapped pine? Aluminum stock shaped to fit over pine?

@HALLETT & Co. Most likely pine wrapped with aluminum.

As @millworkman said it should last a long time if it's done the right way and maintained throughout the years.

Many homeowners seem to think that if something is wrapped or can withstand the weather they can " fuggedaboutit". Everything must be annually maintained and re-caulked as needed because everything moves with seasonal changes and gaps appear, especially when something is incorrectly installed or improperly flashed.

Yep, @HALLETT & Co., @GN Builders L.L.C is correct I was speaking of Trim Coil Aluminum wrap on the trim.

Thanks all! @HALLETT & Co. Do you still need to recaulk if you use Azek? Makes sense based on seasonal changes as you mentioned - but bringing it up because the architect said it is "no maintenance". He's been wrong on lots of things, so definitely not saying he is right. Just asking a clarifying question to understand :)

Tell your architect not to give up his day job :-)

Two thoughts: First, the right trim around windows can make a significant difference in the curb appeal of a home. The use of coil stock limits your options to flat trim unless it's pre-formed. It might not be the right place to look to save $1,500. Second, there are a number of ways for wood trim around a window to rot even when wrapped in aluminum. PVC isn't a perfect material, but it won't rot and it can be machined to give a variety of profiles. It may not be a more economical choice, but it's likely to give a better result.

Marilyn ask your contractor to take a look at the double-snap vinyl trim made by Royal building products company, another option has a nice appearance and it will last a very long time.

Aluminum coil can be bent and rolled into many shapes.

At some point water will get behind it and if installed correctly the water will be directed out, done wrong it will trap water. There are many fine examples holding up thay are 50+ years years.

I would go with the material that looks best with the other materials you are using.

Aluminum looks best when with aluminum soffits and fascia and steel or vinyl siding imo.

Wrapping exterior pine window trim with aluminum coil ( capping) is the most common and if done correctly ( it usually is ), it will last for decades.

The problem I see most often with wrapped trim is that the end grain of vertical casing wicks up water (if they're installed on a sill) and the wood deteriorates without it being evident except to termites and carpenter ants. Might not be an issue if it's well maintained or in a cold climate zone or the window is picture framed without a sill (but that doesn't look very nice.)

That is solved by keeping the wood casing off the sill, no need for it to touch. Also run the aluminum down tight with caulk joint there so the water can escape.

The use of coil stock limits your options to flat trim unless it's pre-formed

Huh?

As Todd mentioned, aluminum cladding can be bent to many different profiles, a "brickmold" bend is pretty standard around here.

As the other pros have stated, aluminum cladding over wood trim is extraordinarily common and reliable when done correctly. I DO think that Azek looks nicer and is a great solution, but if budget doesn't allow, going with wrapped wood is not bad at all... You could potentially inquire about an alternative composite trim as well, something like LP trim boards. They'd offer a richer look, but less costly than Azek.

I guess it depends on how many windows but $ 1500.00 does not seem a lot to me and honestly in the whole grand sceme of things pretty small price difference .I would do the Azek .

"The use of coil stock limits your options to flat trim unless it's pre-formed

Huh?"

We design, build and remodel homes in Williamsburg, VA. We're probably not the best reference for what passes in a lot of places because of the historical precedents and the prevailing local quality standard. It's not suburbia. We use a variety of casings with profiles you're not going to produce on a sheet metal brake. The use of aluminum-wrapped trim in our area is generally limited to rakes and fascias of homes and then again, only on homes outside the area's master--planned communities. Andersen 400 windows really ought to be paired with some decent trim. AZEK would be my choice.

The Anderson is a pretty basic window and doesn’t need plastic trim trim to set it off. Coil stock can bent and rolled into many shapes even some that can not be replicated with Azec.

Both materials have there pros and cons and what will work best will depend upon the house. The quality is going to come from the installation . My choice would depend upon what is going on with the rest of the house.

AZEK material is PVC that's available in a variety of stock sizes including large sheets. They also sell some extruded shapes e.g., brickmould. AZEK material is machinable the same as wood. It can be bent into curved shapes for arch top windows and the like. Depending on the profile, it may need to be heated prior to bending; we've got a couple of local shops that are set up to do that.

Andersen sells a number of different style fiberglass casings and heads. It's beautiful stuff. Worth a look if only for inspiration.