If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across Pella’s Reserve and Architect series. Both offer high-quality windows with excellent performance, but there are some key differences between the two product lines.
This article will compare the Pella Reserve and Architect series in depth, looking at features, cost, configurations, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Pella Reserve | Pella Architect |
| Materials | Wood interiors and exteriors | Aluminum-clad exteriors, wood interiors |
| Glass | Triple-pane insulating glass standard | Double-pane insulating glass standard (triple optional upgrade) |
| Hardware Options | Stainless steel, satin nickel | Stainless steel, satin nickel |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Styling | Traditional styles | Contemporary, modern styles |
| Cost | Premium price tier | Mid-range price tier |
Overview of the Pella Reserve Series
The Pella Reserve series sits near the top of Pella’s window offerings in terms of quality and price. This series features wood windows and patio doors made with high-end components and attention to detail. Here are some of the highlights of the Pella Reserve line:
- Wood Materials: Pella Reserve windows are constructed using wood from the company’s own sawmill located in Murray, Kentucky. The kiln-dried Pine, Oak, Alder, and Maple wood lends an authentic, natural look and feel.
- Thick Insulating Glass: Reserve windows have standard triple-pane insulating glass, providing excellent thermal efficiency and sound dampening. An argon gas blend between the panes adds further insulation.
- High-End Hardware: Hardware options include stainless steel and satin nickel, with upgraded finishes like matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and antique brass available. The hardware is sturdy and smooth-operating.
- Traditional Styling: Pella Reserve windows feature classic architectural styles perfect for historic homes or new builds aiming for charm. Available styles include double hung, casement, awning, and more.
The Pella Reserve series is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. This line is designed to provide optimum beauty, durability, and performance – yet still be a good value.
Overview of the Pella Architect Series
Sitting just below the Reserve line, the Pella Architect series combines sleek contemporary design with Pella’s usual standards of quality. Here’s an overview:
- Wood-Clad Exteriors: Architect series windows have exteriors made from aluminum-clad Pine or Oak. The wood interior adds warmth.
- High-Grade Insulated Glass: Double-pane insulating glass comes standard, with triple-pane options. Gas fills like argon aid efficiency.
- Premium Hardware: Hardware options are stainless steel or satin nickel. Upgrades like matte black and oil-rubbed bronze are available.
- Contemporary Styling: Clean lines and minimal ornamentation give a modern, trendy look. Styles include casement, awning, double hung, sliding, and more.
Like the Reserve line, Pella’s Architect series windows are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Expect excellent performance and modern style.
Direct Comparison of Features of Pella Reserve And Architect Series Windows
Now that we’ve introduced both window lines, let’s do a direct side-by-side comparison of some of the most important features.
Materials
- Pella Reserve: Kiln-dried pine, oak, alder or maple; interior and exterior wood
- Pella Architect: Aluminum-clad exterior with pine or oak interior
The Reserve wins out here with its all-natural wood construction. But the Architect series offers a more durable exterior with its aluminum cladding.
Insulated Glass
- Pella Reserve: Standard triple-pane glass; options for up to quad-pane
- Pella Architect: Standard double-pane glass; triple-pane optional upgrade
Insulated glass keeps homes comfortable and reduces energy costs. The Reserve series offers more standard insulation with its triple-pane glass.
Hardware
- Pella Reserve: Stainless steel and satin nickel included; upgraded finishes available
- Pella Architect: Stainless steel or satin nickel; upgraded finishes available
You can’t go wrong with hardware options on either of these Pella lines. Both offer durable standard finishes plus optional upgrades.
Warranties
- Pella Reserve: Limited lifetime warranty
- Pella Architect: Limited lifetime warranty
Pella stands behind both series windows with their strong limited lifetime warranties. Added coverage may be available.
Styling
- Pella Reserve: Traditional styles like double hung and casement
- Pella Architect: Contemporary, minimalist styles
The choice between traditional or modern aesthetics comes down to home style and personal taste.
Cost
- Pella Reserve: At the higher end for Pella windows
- Pella Architect: Mid-range pricing tier
As you’d expect given the materials and features, Pella Reserve windows come at a premium cost over Architect series. We’ll break down pricing next.
Pella Reserve Vs. Architect Series Costs
Windows represent a major investment, so cost is an important factor when choosing between the Reserve and Architect lines. Here are a few key details on pricing:
- Reserve – Being Pella’s top-tier wood window offering, the Reserve line is priced at the higher end of Pella’s range. Expect to pay a premium for the thick insulating glass, kiln-dried wood, and craftsmanship.
- Architect – This line hits Pella’s middle pricing tier. You’ll pay more than Pella’s most basic options but less than the premium Reserve. The Architect series makes a nice mid-range choice.
- Exact Pricing – Since Pella windows are custom-built to order, exact pricing depends on your window sizes, configurations, and location. Expect Reserve prices 25-50% higher than Architect. Get quotes from Pella.
- Installation & Labor – Don’t forget to account for installation and labor costs on top of the base window price. This can sometimes match the price of the windows themselves.
- Value for Money – Despite the higher price, Pella Reserve windows offer excellent value given their quality components and construction. Architect is also a good value at the mid-range.
Pella representatives can provide quotes tailored to your specific project requirements. This gives you an accurate cost comparison between the two lines.
Popular Configurations
Pella’s Reserve and Architect series windows are available in a wide selection of operating styles, shapes, and sizes. Here are some of the most popular configurations for each line:
Pella Reserve Configurations
- Double Hung – Classic double hungs operate smoothly and provide ample ventilation. Good option for replacing existing double hung windows.
- Casement – Casements maximize glass area with their large unobstructed panels. They offer full top-to-bottom ventilation when open.
- Awning – Top-hinged awning windows are ideal over sinks or countertops. They provide ventilation while sheltering the opening from direct rain.
- Gliding Patio Doors – For indoor/outdoor access, gliding French patio doors feature multi-point locking systems. Available in 2, 3, and 4-pane options.
Pella Architect Configurations
- Casement – The most popular Architect style, casements accentuate modern minimalist design. Group multiple casements together for large openings.
- Awning – Architect series awnings have clean lines and are well-suited to contemporary homes. Good for ventilation high on the wall.
- Double Hung – Traditional double hungs keep historical consistency in modernized applications. Architect double hungs have a lighter frame.
- Sliding Patio Doors – For panoramic views and access to patios, Architect series sliding patio doors offer sleek modern styling.
Work with Pella’s design consultants to select the ideal styles and sizes for each room in your home.
Making the Decision: Reserve Or Architect
So when it comes time to choose between the Pella Reserve or Architect series, which is the right option for you? Here are a few final considerations as you make your window buying decision:
- Budget – Reserve will cost more upfront. Determine whether the premium materials and construction are worth the investment for you.
- Style Preference – Choose classic Reserve or contemporary Architect based on your home’s current aesthetics.
- Performance Needs – Reserve may make more sense if maximizing energy efficiency is your top goal.
- Activity Levels – For homes with kids or high traffic, the aluminum-clad exteriors of Architect series add durability.
- Future Plans – If aiming to achieve a certain historical look after future whole-home renovations, decide whether Reserve’s traditional styling best matches your goals.
Carefully weigh what matters most – budget, looks, performance, lifestyle factors, and your vision for the home long-term. This will point you towards Pella Reserve or Architect as the best series for your next window purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some lingering questions? Here are answers to a few of the most common queries:
The main differences come down to traditional wood versus aluminum-clad construction, triple-pane versus double-pane glass, and classic versus modern styling. Pella Reserve offers premium all-wood construction, more standard insulation, and traditional aesthetics. Architect series features aluminum-clad exteriors, clean contemporary design, and comes at a lower cost.
Pella Reserve is Pella’s high-end wood window series, made with the finest materials and attention to detail. It features thick insulating glass, durable real wood interiors and exteriors, high-end hardware, and traditional architectural styling. Expect excellent performance and quality.
As a mid-range product line, Pella Architect series pricing falls around 25-50% below the premium Pella Reserve windows. Exact pricing varies based on window size, configuration, and location. Contact Pella reps for quotes tailored to your specific project.
Some of Pella’s best selling window styles include: Pella 250 Series (fiberglass), Impervia by Pella (fiberglass), Pella 350 Series (vinyl), Pella Reserve (wood), Pella Architect Series (wood-clad).
Within these product lines, some of the most popular configurations are double hungs, casements, awnings, and sliding patio doors.
Closing Remarks
In summary, those seeking premium construction, efficiency, and classic styling will benefit from choosing Pella Reserve windows, despite the higher cost.
For those prioritizing budget or contemporary aesthetics, the mid-priced Pella Architect series makes an excellent option with its durable aluminum-clad exteriors and modern designs.
Carefully consider your needs, home style, and budget when deciding between these two impressive Pella window collections.