Once you’ve decided that a horizontal gliding window fits your home, the next step is choosing the Andersen product line that best matches the opening, design, maintenance preferences, and budget. Andersen offers gliding windows in 100 Series, 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series, with meaningful differences in frame materials, interior finishes, exterior protection, sizing, colors, hardware, and customization.
The 100 Series uses Fibrex® composite material inside and out. The 200 Series and 400 Series move into wood-interior construction with protective exterior materials, while E-Series combines a wood interior with an aluminum exterior and the broadest design flexibility.
This guide compares those series for Hampton Roads homeowners. If you’re still deciding whether horizontal operation is right for the opening, start with our Guide to Andersen Gliding Windows. For the full Andersen lineup, see our Ultimate Guide to Andersen Windows in Hampton Roads.
Andersen Gliding Windows at a Glance
| Series | Construction | Design Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Series | Fibrex® composite interior and exterior | Value-oriented composite construction and streamlined choices |
| 200 Series | Wood interior / vinyl exterior | Streamlined wood-interior option |
| 400 Series | Wood interior / vinyl exterior | Broader wood-interior sizing and design flexibility |
| E-Series | Wood interior / aluminum exterior | Maximum color, wood and finish customization |
100 Series Gliding Windows
The 100 Series is Andersen’s Fibrex composite gliding option. Fibrex material is used for both the interior and exterior, creating a lower-maintenance alternative for homeowners who do not need a natural wood interior.
Andersen’s 100 Series gliding window uses a horizontal operating sash and is available with contemporary color choices, including dark finishes that can be used on both the interior and exterior. Low-E glass, grille, screen, hardware, and custom-size options allow the product to be adapted to a range of replacement projects without the broader customization of Andersen’s premium lines.
- Consider 100 Series when: you want Fibrex composite construction, straightforward horizontal operation, lower-maintenance materials, and a value-oriented Andersen product.
- Compare another series when: a natural wood interior, broader finish choices, or extensive architectural customization is important.
200 Series Gliding Windows
The 200 Series introduces natural wood on the interior with a low-maintenance vinyl exterior. Andersen positions 200 Series around popular sizes and options, making it a more focused wood-interior choice than 400 Series or E-Series.
For homeowners who want the appearance of wood inside the home but do not need a long list of colors, finishes, or specialty options, 200 Series can provide a practical balance between material preference and product simplicity.
- Consider 200 Series when: you want a wood interior with vinyl exterior protection and a streamlined selection of Andersen options.
- Compare another series when: you want composite construction throughout, need broader 400 Series design flexibility, or want the extensive customization of E-Series.
400 Series Gliding Windows
The 400 Series is Andersen’s broader wood-interior gliding option. Like 200 Series, it uses a wood interior with a protective vinyl exterior, but the product line provides greater flexibility for homeowners who want more choices in sizing, colors, finishes, glass, grilles, and other details.
This can make 400 Series especially useful when a homeowner likes the wood-interior concept of 200 Series but needs additional flexibility to coordinate the replacement windows with the home’s architecture or other Andersen products.
- Consider 400 Series when: you want a versatile wood-interior glider with more design flexibility than the streamlined 200 Series.
- Compare another series when: you prefer Fibrex composite throughout or need the highly customizable aluminum-clad construction of E-Series.
E-Series Gliding Windows
E-Series is Andersen’s most customizable gliding option. It combines a wood interior with an aluminum exterior and is designed around made-to-order flexibility.
The aluminum exterior supports Andersen’s broad E-Series color palette, while the interior can be coordinated with multiple wood species, stains, paints, and finishes. Hardware, grille, glass, and other design choices further expand the ability to tailor the window to a specific architectural plan.
For custom homes, major renovations, or projects where windows need to coordinate closely with exterior colors and interior millwork, E-Series can provide options that are not necessary—or available—in the more streamlined product lines.
- Consider E-Series when: maximum exterior color, interior wood, finish, and architectural customization matter most.
- Compare another series when: the project does not require extensive customization and a more streamlined series already provides the desired appearance and performance.
How Andersen Gliding Series Compare by Material
- 100 Series: Fibrex composite on both the interior and exterior.
- 200 Series: Wood interior protected by a vinyl exterior.
- 400 Series: Wood interior protected by a vinyl exterior, with broader product and design flexibility than 200 Series.
- E-Series: Wood interior protected by an aluminum exterior.
For many homeowners, this material decision is the quickest way to narrow the lineup. If a natural wood interior is not important, 100 Series may be the logical starting point. If wood is preferred, the decision shifts toward how much sizing, color, finish, and customization flexibility the project requires.
200 Series vs. 400 Series Gliding Windows
Because both 200 Series and 400 Series use wood interiors with vinyl exterior protection, homeowners often want to know why they would choose one over the other.
The primary distinction is breadth of choice. The 200 Series is intentionally streamlined around popular configurations and options. The 400 Series expands the available design flexibility, making it more appropriate when the project requires additional sizing, color, finish, grille, or other product choices.
| Priority | 200 Series | 400 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Wood interior | Yes | Yes |
| Vinyl exterior | Yes | Yes |
| Product approach | Streamlined | Broader flexibility |
| Best fit | Popular sizes/options and simpler selection | Projects needing additional design choices |
Which Andersen Gliding Window Has the Most Design Options?
E-Series is the strongest starting point when customization is the primary goal. Its aluminum exterior supports a much broader color palette, while its wood interior can be coordinated with multiple species and factory-finish choices.
The 400 Series provides a useful middle ground for homeowners who want more flexibility than 200 Series but do not need E-Series’ extensive made-to-order possibilities. The 100 and 200 Series keep the selection more focused.
More options do not automatically make a series better. The best value comes from choosing the product line that includes the features and finishes the home actually needs.
Which Andersen Gliding Window Is Best for Energy Efficiency?
The gliding style alone does not determine energy performance. Frame construction, glass package, window dimensions, orientation, installation, and the exact product configuration all affect the finished window’s ratings.
Andersen offers Low-E and other energy-efficient glass choices across its window lines. When comparing series, homeowners should review the performance information for the actual window and glass package being proposed rather than relying only on the product-line name.
Professional installation also plays an important role. Correct sizing, leveling, sealing, and finishing help the sliding sash operate properly while supporting the window’s intended performance.
Which Andersen Glider Is Best for Hampton Roads?
There is no single Andersen gliding series that is automatically best for every Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads home. The right choice depends on the opening, architecture, interior design, maintenance preferences, exposure, performance goals, and budget.
- For composite construction and value: start with 100 Series.
- For a streamlined wood-interior option: compare 200 Series.
- For broader wood-interior flexibility: compare 400 Series.
- For maximum design customization: compare E-Series.
Heat, humidity, coastal air, wind-driven rain, and seasonal storms make it important to evaluate the actual glass and performance specifications for the home, particularly when a property has greater coastal exposure.
Gliding Window Configurations
The number and arrangement of sashes can vary by Andersen series and window size. Two-sash gliders are common, while wider openings may use three-sash configurations or combinations of stationary and operating sections.
A two-sash layout keeps the window visually simple. A three-sash configuration can span a wider opening and create a broader central view, depending on which sections are fixed or operable.
The best configuration should be selected around the opening rather than simply choosing the largest possible window. Consider where ventilation is needed, which direction the sash should move, how furniture is arranged inside, and what lies outside the opening.
Gliding Windows vs. Other Andersen Styles
| If You Want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Horizontal operation with no exterior projection | Gliding window |
| Vertical operation and traditional proportions | Double-hung window |
| A large outward-opening sash and crank operation | Casement window |
| Ventilation in a short or high opening | Awning window |
| A fixed, unobstructed view | Picture window |
A glider is especially useful when exterior clearance is limited. Near a deck, patio, walkway, or landscaping, its sash can open without extending beyond the wall. A casement window may provide a larger open ventilation area, while a double-hung window may fit a taller, more traditional opening better.
Colors, Grilles & Hardware
Design flexibility increases as homeowners move through the Andersen lineup. The 100 and 200 Series focus on a more streamlined palette, 400 Series expands the available choices, and E-Series provides the broadest range of exterior colors and interior wood finishes.
Grilles can give a gliding window a more traditional appearance or help it coordinate with other window styles throughout the home. Hardware and screen details should also be compared because they affect both appearance and everyday operation.
For a whole-home window replacement, coordinating gliding windows with double-hung, casement, picture, or specialty windows in the same series can help maintain consistent frame profiles, colors, grilles, and interior finishes.
How Much Do Andersen Gliding Windows Cost?
Installed pricing varies by series, window dimensions, number of sashes, glass, colors, grilles, screens, hardware, custom sizing, installation conditions, trim work, and the total number of windows in the project.
At a broad level, 100 Series is positioned as a value-oriented composite option. The 200 Series provides a streamlined entry into wood-interior construction, 400 Series expands the available design flexibility, and E-Series places the greatest emphasis on customization.
The most useful comparison is to configure the series around the same opening and project goals. That makes it easier to determine whether the additional cost of a higher product line provides features, materials, or finishes that matter to the homeowner.
Quick Guide: Which Andersen Gliding Series Should I Consider?
| If Your Priority Is… | Start By Comparing… |
|---|---|
| Fibrex composite construction | 100 Series |
| Wood interior with streamlined choices | 200 Series |
| Wood interior with broader flexibility | 400 Series |
| Maximum colors, woods and customization | E-Series |
| A wide opening near a patio, deck or walkway | Gliding configurations across the appropriate series |
What We Recommend Comparing in the Showroom
Gliding windows are straightforward to understand, but series differences are much easier to evaluate when you can operate the windows and compare the materials in person.
- Sliding operation: Open and close the sash to compare the feel of the hardware and track.
- Frame profiles: Look at visible glass area and how the frame and sash proportions differ.
- Interior materials: Compare Fibrex composite with the wood interiors offered in 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series.
- Exterior protection: Compare Fibrex composite, vinyl, and aluminum exterior materials.
- Colors and finishes: Determine whether a streamlined palette works or whether broader 400 Series or E-Series customization adds meaningful value.
- Glass and screens: Compare the options that affect comfort, performance, ventilation, and everyday use.
- Installed price: Compare similarly configured windows so differences in cost reflect actual changes in materials, design, and options.
Andersen Gliding Series FAQs
Which Andersen series offer gliding windows?
Andersen offers gliding windows in 100 Series, 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series.
Does Andersen offer an A-Series gliding window?
No. A-Series is not part of Andersen’s current gliding-window lineup.
Which Andersen gliding window uses Fibrex composite?
The 100 Series gliding window uses Fibrex composite material on the interior and exterior.
Which Andersen gliding windows have wood interiors?
The 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series gliding windows offer wood interiors.
What is the difference between 200 Series and 400 Series gliding windows?
Both use wood interiors with vinyl exterior protection, but 200 Series is more streamlined around popular options while 400 Series provides broader design flexibility.
Which Andersen gliding window offers the most customization?
E-Series provides the greatest customization, including an aluminum exterior with a broad color palette and extensive interior wood and finish choices.
Are gliding windows good near decks and patios?
Yes. Because the sash slides within the frame instead of projecting outward, gliding windows can work particularly well near decks, patios, walkways, and landscaping.
Are Andersen gliding windows energy efficient?
Andersen offers energy-efficient glass options across its gliding lines, but actual performance depends on the exact series, glass package, size, configuration, installation, and exposure.
Compare Andersen Gliding Windows at Better View Windows & More
Better View Windows & More helps homeowners throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads compare replacement windows based on the features that actually matter for their homes. If you’re considering Andersen gliding windows, we’ll help you compare 100 Series, 200 Series, 400 Series, and E-Series based on materials, design flexibility, glass, operation, maintenance preferences, and budget.
Visit our Virginia Beach showroom to compare replacement window options in person. If you’re still deciding whether horizontal operation is right for the opening, see our Guide to Andersen Gliding Windows. If you’re comparing gliding windows against other operating styles, you can also review our Andersen Double-Hung Window Series comparison and Andersen Casement Window Series comparison. For the complete Andersen lineup, visit our Ultimate Guide to Andersen Windows in Hampton Roads.
Call Better View Windows & More at 757-689-6210 or request your estimate online to get started. Better Variety. Better Service. Better Prices.