Milgard vs. Pella
Milgard is headquartered in Tacoma and has several manufacturing facilities in California. They focus on customer satisfaction, a wide array of esthetically pleasing designs, and eco-friendly technology.
Pella is one of the largest window manufacturers in the country. Based in Iowa, Pella has been around for nearly a century and today offers a mainstream source of residential products available at national retailers.
Quality
Both brands have earned wonderful reputations for quality. Both consistently win awards from magazines and industry organizations. Milgard particularly has a strong reputation for their vinyl and fiberglass frames, which they manufacture themselves.
Frame Materials
Both companies make frames in wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Milgard also offers aluminum options.
Style
Milgard’s lineup features a larger variety of window options designed specifically for the architecture found in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. You can find perfect options for Mediterranean, Craftsman, and modern homes with special shapes to suit arch windows, bay windows and custom needs.
As a giant manufacturer, the Pella lineup includes a wide variety of window styles as well. We generally see a stronger commitment to trend-forward styles from Milgard, however.
Eco-Friendly Options
Both companies tout environmental practices at their offices and factories. Both also offer options for recycled materials and energy-efficient windows. Milgard may be a greener option because they recycle all of their scrap vinyl and ship products from nearby factories.
Warranty
Milgard’s full lifetime warranty on all products offers the greatest assurance possible. Pella offers 10- and 20-year warranties for their wood windows and limited lifetime warranties for fiberglass and vinyl windows.
Milgard: Made on the West Coast
With manufacturing facilities in Sacramento and along the West Coast, Milgard is your locally sourced option for the San Francisco area. Pella makes some vinyl windows in Portland but most of their products are made in Iowa.
Ultimately, homeowners can expect long-lasting quality from either brand. While Pella has broad national recognition, Milgard stands out as an innovator and a more local company. Let us know if you need help choosing the best windows for your home!