What series Okna? But Okna would be the choice I would make definitely over the other choices you mentioned.

It's the Okna 6600 Series New Construction. Why specifically would you choose Okna over Windsor, Legacy, and Sun? I'm having trouble deciding whether to compromise aesthetics (i.e. the Okna does not provide the look I want for the house). Do you have other suggested window brands/models that would provide a recessed look with a window sill?

Thank you! This is very helpful. I have now asked for a Marvin Integrity quote. Are there any other brands you would suggest that would give us the look of a traditional, recessed window without compromising quality?

Marvin Integrity doesn't have a recessed look...at least I don't think they do when I looked at the showroom. Marvin (NOT integrity), their aluminum clad series, does have a recessed look but is more expensive.

I'm interested in this thread too. We are deciding between integrity and another vinyl window, but are now looking into Okna. Not sure if they are in our area (Wisconsin).

As a side note, how do folks feel about the Okna Starmark?

All positive on the Starmak

Shannon, the "recessed" look is really going to have more to do with the trim around the windows than anything. The back set from nail fin to exterior frame edge won't vary substantially from one window to the next. The difference that can be found between wood clad windows and vinyl windows will be how pronounced the screentrack is. Okna's screen track is more decorative than many vinyls, but really doesn't stick out farther, at least not measurably so. Again, the trim is what will subdue the "projected" look. On window, the Starmark is nice. Depending on what options you need, the 800 will be the superior performer, and save some $$$. The 600 is a step down from the 800. If white new construction is the ticket, then the 500 may be worth a look as well, again at a little better price point typically than the 600... All are very good though.

Are you simply sourcing these windows for your new build, or is your pricing including install as well?

Solid advice from all the above commenters. I knew these folks were smart.

Where is the new build going to be located? Have you decided on glazing options.

HomeSealed - we have been told by our Okna dealer that the 600 is their new construction series, which is why we haven't looked at the 500 or 800. Is that accurate? We, through our builder, are sourcing these windows for our new build. He is willing to put our preferred window on the house, but we are doing the research and then he will order.

I hear you regarding the trim. I'm just getting to the point where I'm wondering if it makes sense spending additional money to get the Oknas to look "recessed" when we could just buy a cellular PVC window that already has a window sill and exterior trim. It sort of feels like we are trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. Because our house has 66 windows, we are somewhat limited in our choices because the cost increases exponentially once you move into aluminum clad/wood windows.

WoW - we are building this house on a little over 15 acres outside Richmond, VA. Our Okna dealer recommended double-pane glass with the energy package + argon gas. We have not specifically discussed glazing. And to be honest, I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean by glazing. Could you please enlighten me?

Glass package. Double pane is fine in our climate. If you are trying to build a really efficient home, triple pane is the way to go.

Has your builder contacted Okna direct or are you dealing with someone down in Richmond?

Shannon, all of the okna models can be installed as new construction with nail fin. The 500 & 600 can have an extruded fin, where the 800 and Starmark are snap in fin. The extruded fin is nice, but should not be a deal breaker. Keep in mind, any cellular PVC window , wood clad, or fiberglass windows will have a nail fin mechanically fastened to the frame as well.

Here is a picture of an Okna set that does not protrude. This is a retrofit application so there is aluminum trim to the inside of the cedar boards, however you could get a similar look by utilizing the Okna brickmold instead. Then the board thickness is the other factor. Higher end homes often use a 2x (1.75") board around windows which will create depth... Ultimately, I'd strongly recommend picking the superior product and then working with the builder to get the look that you like as opposed to choosing based on appearance over all else.

Thank you! We first reached out to the Okna rep and have maintained communications with them (Skyline Windows). Our builder also has contacted them. We are getting the Low-E glass, I believe. We also have been in touch with Architectural Windows of VA, Siewers, and National Sliding Door Frame.

To be honest, my number 1 concern is aesthetics. I don't want to drive up my driveway every day and think, "I really hate the way those windows look." Anything will be an efficiency improvement on the 80 year old wood windows in our current house. The aesthetics issue is why I'm waffling on the Oknas. I know they are nice windows, but they looked so cheap when we saw them actually installed on a new build. I'm worried we won't be able to get them to look like a traditional, historic window even if we add loads of trim and brick moulding.

Here's a shot with 1x LP trim board. Using the thicker trim boards would project farther obviously, up to 1" farther with the 2x material. 1x was used on this project due to the desired interface between the hollow vinyl siding (5/8" j channel trim) and the new trim boards.

HomeSealed - THANK YOU!!! This is exactly what I have been wondering if we could do. I can't tell you how helpful it is to see a picture of it.

I have a few questions:

What kind of aluminum trim is this?

Is the window sill made from the aluminum trim?

Which Okna series is this?

How do I explain to my builder how to build this?

Thank you SO VERY much!

The second set of pictures if similar to the installation we saw in person. I still don't like how the sides of the Okna are highest on the part closes to the glass and lowest on the part closest to the trim. It looks like we could alleviate that problem with the installation you shared above. Is that accurate?

If I remember correctly, those are both 500 series. The 600 series exterior is very similar.

As far as your questions on the upper picture, the "inner" trim is all aluminum bent to simulate brickmold trim. It would be unconventional to do that specifically on a new build, but what would look nice and deliver a similarly stepped result with some depth would be that factory brickmold trim, surrounded then by a trim board of cedar or composite material.

As far as the comments on "highest and lowest parts", if I understand you correctly it sounds like you are speaking to the depth in and out? ... If so, yes, the thicker (not wider) trim definitely mitigates that look as you can see.

Shannon - Since you mentioned that Legend is popular in your area, can I venture a guess that you on the East Coast? Many have found that Windsor Legend windows are an excellent choice for coastal areas as well as traditional homes and historical renovations.

In an attempt to balance this forum conversation, let me tell you a little bit more about Windsor Windows & Doors. Contrary to the comments from others here, there are many architects, builders and professionals throughout the country who like and repeatedly recommend our products.

Windsor windows and doors have been installed in some of the most magnificent homes throughout North America, including the Bighorn Ski Chalet at Revelstoke, British Columbia (Windsor Pinnacle wood/clad), which was named the Best Ski Chalet in the World in 2014.

Windsor started as a small, custom window company in Des Moines, Iowa in 1946, and has been a part of Woodgrain Millwork -- a family-owned company and one of the largest millwork operations today -- since 1987. Our relationship with Woodgrain is one of the reasons we are able to offer one of the best values in the industry.

Through the years Windsor has continually evaluated and improved our products. We strive to be easy to do business with through open, honest communication with our customers, accountability for our actions, and by conducting business in a respectable manner. Our mission is to deliver exceptional value through the relentless improvement of our people, processes, and products.

For more information, I invite you to check out our Houzz Ideabooks and Projects that feature work from builders, architects, and designers across North America. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact your nearest Windsor distributor by using the Dealer Locator on our website.

We have Windsor Legend pvc on our white modern farmhouse and have been thrilled with the results. You can check my prior posts for pictures if you’d like. They have brick mould attached from the manufacturer and it gives a fantastic recessed look. We were after the same look you are.

update.

what did you go with? okna?