You never knew there were so many Marvin window series until you started researching the brand. It took some time, but you’ve now narrowed it down to two series you’re most interested in: Elevate and Essential. Still, you’re not sure how to choose one. 

Well, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the Marvin Elevate Series and the Essential Series. We’ll talk about the materials used for each respective series, the styles available, and—perhaps most important to you—the price. Keep reading, as you’re not going to want to miss it.

What Are These Windows Made of?

First thing’s first, and that’s a discussion of materials. Marvin always uses the most high-quality materials for their series of windows, including the Elevate and Essential Series. That said, if both windows series were made of the same materials, we wouldn’t be talking about them today, as there’d be no difference between the two.

Let’s take a closer look at the materials for both window series now.  

Elevate Series

A trademark of Marvin’s Elevate Series of windows is their wooden interior and fiberglass-cladded exterior. The wood, which comes in warm tones, stays inside your home where it’s not exposed to the elements. The window’s exterior boasts fiberglass composites and roll-form aluminum. This fiberglass cladding can stand up to tough weather better than vinyl can. 

Essential Series

The main difference between the Elevate and Essential Series regarding materials is the latter has no wooden surfaces. Instead, the windows are exclusively fiberglass. This cuts down on the maintenance work you have to do, even if these windows maybe aren’t quite as appealing as those in the Elevate Series.

Which Styles Are Available?

Another big selling point is the styles you can get your windows in. You want a style or several that are complementary to your home décor from room to room. The windows should also make an impact that gets friends oohing and ahhing when they step through the door.

Elevate Series

The window styles in the Elevate Series include the following:

  • Specialty shapes
  • Round top
  • Picture
  • Glider
  • Double-hung insert
  • Double-hung
  • Casement narrow frame
  • Casement
  • Bow
  • Bay
  • Awning narrow frame
  • Awning
  • Sliding French door

Essential Series

Next, here’s an overview of the styles you can find in the Essential Series:

  • Specialty shapes
  • Single-hung
  • Round top
  • Picture
  • Glider
  • Double-hung
  • Casement
  • Awning
  • Sliding patio door

While a lot of the styles overlap, the looks of the two series are vastly different thanks to their materials. Also, the Essential Series offers fewer styles to choose from.

Which Windows Cost More?

Like we said in the intro, as a consumer, the cost of these windows could seriously sway you in one direction over another. Which of the two Marvin windows series costs more and why?

Let’s answer those questions now.

Elevate Series

With the Ultrex fiberglass used in the Elevate Series of Marvin windows, you can’t expect these to come especially cheap. Marvin promises these windows won’t warp, nor will they lose strength. With more glass in these windows compared to vinyl ones, you can enjoy more natural light in your home.

For all those great features, you will pay between $1,200 and $1,500 per window in the Elevate Series.

Essential Series

As you know, the Essential Series has pure Ultrex construction. You can also add on several exterior finishes (up to six) and a few hardware finishes (up to five) with your Essential Series windows. With their timeless design, easy care, and myriad of styles, these are hardy, great Marvin windows for a variety of homes.

They’re also far cheaper than the windows in the Elevate Series. You’re only paying $250 to $600 per window.

Which Marvin Windows Should I Choose for My Home?

We’ve shared some significant differences between the Marvin Elevate Series and the Essential Series of windows. If you’re still stuck between the two window types, we recommend you think carefully and thoughtfully about which material and style you want more.

Your budget may also be a deciding factor in this decision. If so, then you’ll likely gravitate towards the Essential Series, as these windows are vastly more affordable than the ones in the Elevate Series. Other homeowners may crave a certain kind of window, like the beauty of wood combined with the durability of fiberglass. If so, then there’s only one option for you, the Elevate Series.

Conclusion

The Elevate Series and Essential Series are two of the best-known and most beloved window series in the entire Marvin line. The Elevate windows feature a wooden interior and a fiberglass exterior while the Essential windows are made entirely of fiberglass. Both have similar styles, but the differences really come through in the cost, as the Elevate Series windows are far pricier.

No matter which of these two windows series you choose for your home, you’re making a fantastic choice you can enjoy for years to come.