Windows - Aluminum Clad Wood or Vinyl

I've built several homes over the years and have always used vinyl windows for two main reasons - they are cheaper than wood, and they cost less. And when it comes down to it, you can see out both windows just the same.

Recently while planning the remodel of the Wyoming House I have been surprised at the cost of vinyl windows. I must have gotten some great deals on windows when I was in the business or prices have gone up quite a bit. I got a quote from several places this last week and just for fun had Weathershield price out some aluminum clad windows for me as well. I was surprised at the cost comparison.

Why would I even consider the aluminum clad for this home? Well I plan to put in some nice big sliding doors to maximize the view. I don't want to go with vinyl sliding doors because I just don't love the look and most that I have seen are not great quality. I want a dark color frame on the doors and the only way to get that was to go with aluminum clad. Since Weathershield has a showroom and manufacturing facility right here in town I decided to swing by and check out the doors that they had available. I really liked their wood/aluminum sliders so I think that is what I am going to get. But, of course I think it would look nicer to have the windows match the doors since they will be on the same wall plane - so, I priced out the aluminum as well.

After comparing prices, the middle range vinyl is pretty close to aluminum clad, so I'm leaning towards the clad. I need to swing by the showroom and check them out again.