We have also been doing extensive research thanks in large part to this site and some of the insightful posters. We saw all the usual suspects including andersen and pella. We were shown the Okna 600 and liked the window more than andersen believe it or not. We have a total of 10 double hungs with no grids. We are doing a ” basic replacement ” and we were quoted $7600 for all 10 windows including installation ( Okna 600 deluxe ). We actually signed a contract last week and think we were given a competitive price although we didnt base our decision soley on price. We should have our windows installed in late February based on all the supplier issues everyone is facing. We are also having a front door installed by the same company and we chose a fiberglass entry door by HMI Doors based on their recommendation. Its a craftsman style door with no side lites and we are paying $3400 including installation. Needless to say, we are excited and can’t wait for our new windows and door.

Im assuming you are in the nyc area? Tri state window factory make an ok window i guess but its definitely not up there with the elite windows such as okna, soft lite, or sunrise. Okna Windows are definitely a better window and is on a differenet level than Tri State Windows which is only a mid range type window. Being that the pricing is close, i would hands down choose the okna. The pricing seems good as well. Okna make a very well designed window with some great engineering. A very good looking window. I also agree with Todd, if you want triple pane, argon is a much more economical choice opposed to krypton.

I generally refer to it only as Melrose to avoid confusion, as its lighter than most cherries. Very versatile color. On the install, I like the laminated shoe mouldings when applicable as they kind of wash into the window and don't stand out, however the casing isn't my favorite for the reasons that you've mentioned. I prefer using real wood stained to match. You can still get "prefinished", and even preassembled in a product like Trim n Time: http://www.waudenamillwork.com/pages/TNT.aspx Lastly, I'd suggest taking a closer look at the install options if glass loss is the only reason that you are considering full tear outs. Often times you don't lose as much as you think, and sometimes none at all, especially if you have storms on the existing windows which encroach on the clear view as well. Your contractor should be able to take some measurements on that to see exactly how that would fall.

Very fair pricing Grayson, even for a simple install and few product upgrades. Three good window choices as well, nice work. I'm partial to the Okna in this case as it will have the best U value and air leakage ratings with apples to apples glass, but again, all 3 are good. You might consider putting some more weight on the installation company, that aspect will make or break MANY window replacement projects, especially when you have 3 choices that are somewhat close as you do here. Where are you located? That can determine the recommendation for the glass package as well as a garner a possible referral.