Both Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate are window replacement products, which provide an opportunity to remodel your home and improve existing construction windows, especially with signs of condensation or damages such as wood rot, water stain, and cracks.

Window replacement windows also improve the energy efficiency, lighting, and ventilation inside the house. Also, they help incorporate the designs and window styles throughout your home.

In this article, you’ll find information about Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate to help you understand the difference between the two. It’s also important to know about the factors you need to consider to see which product line suits your preference and needs best.

Below is a comprehensive guide about the cost, warranty, durability, window styles, and materials options.


Marvin Elevate Overview

Marvin ElevateĀ® is made by Marvin Windows and Doors, a manufacturer of wood and clad wood windows and doors. It was founded in 1912 by George G. Marvin and opened as a family-owned cedar and lumber company located in Warroad, Minnesota. 

Marvin ElevateĀ® is one of the main window collections of Marvin Windows. It comes in 12 window types, including Awning, Awning Narrow Frame, Bay, Bow, Casement, Casement Narrow Frame, Double Hung, Double Hung Insert, Glider, Picture, Round Top, and Specialty Shapes. 

All Marvin ElevateĀ® Window products are available in six exterior finish options, Bronze, Cashmere, Ebony, Evergreen, Pebble Gray, and Stone White, and has three interior finish options, including Bare Pine, Clear Coat, Designer Black, and Prefinished White. Their hardware also comes in five finishes: Satin Nickel, Almond Frost, Brass, Matte Black, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Marvin ElevateĀ® Window also features three divided lite variations: Grilles-between-the-Glass (GBGs), Simulated Divided Lite (SDL), and Simulated Divided Lite with Spacer Bar (SDLS) with nine patterns available, including Rectangular, Cottage, Prairie 6 Top, Prairie 6 Bottom, Prairie 6 Left, Prairie 6 Right, Simulated Rail Rectangular, Simulated Rail Prairie 6, and Simulated Rail Prairie 9.


Marvin Ultimate Overview

Marvin Ultimate is also manufactured by Marvin Windows and Doors and is one of the product lines under the Marvin SignatureĀ® collection.

Marvin Ultimate comes in 28 different window types: Awning, Awning Narrow Frame, Awning Push Out, Awning Push Out Narrow Frame, Bay, Bow Windows, Casement, Casement Inswing, Casement Narrow Frame, Casement Push Out, Casement Push Out Narrow Frame, Corner, Corner Narrow Frame, Double Hung G2, and Double Hung Insert G2.

The other available window types include French Casement, French Casement Push Out, Glider, Hopper, Picture, Picture Narrow Frame, Single Hung G2, Specialty Shapes, Venting Picture, Wood Double Hung, Wood Double Hung Insert, Wood Double Hung Magnum, and Wood Single Hung.

Marvin Ultimate Windows are available in 20 clad color options for the exterior finish: Ebony, Bahama Brown, Bright Silver Pearlescent, Bronze, Cadet Gray, Cascade Blue, Cashmere, Clay, Coconut Cream, Copper Pearlescent, Evergreen, Gunmetal, Hampton Sage, Liberty Bronze Pearlescent, Pebble Gray, Sierra White, Stone White, Suede, and Wineberry.

They also offer interior finish wood options: Black Walnut, Cherry, Mixed Grain Douglas Fir, Honduran Mahogany, Pine, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir, and White Oak. Marvin Ultimate also features Cabernet, Clear Coat, Espresso, Hazelnut, Honey, Leather, and Wheat as its stained wood options.

Marvin Ultimate Window also features three divided lite variations: Grilles-between-the-Glass (GBGs), Simulated Divided Lite (SDL), and Simulated Divided Lite with Spacer Bar (SDLS) with 24 available patterns: Rectangular, Prairie 9, Cottage, Oriel, Checkrail, Prairie 6 Top, Prairie 6 Bottom, Prairie 6 Left, Prairie 6 Right, and Prairie 4 Top Left.

The other available patterns are Prairie 4 Top Right, Prairie 4 Bottom Left, Prairie 4 Bottom Right, Cottage T, Checkrail T, Victorian, Victorian Prairie, Trellis Horizontal, Trellis Vertical, Prairie Checkrail, Simulated Rail Rectangular, Simulated Rail Prairie 6, Simulated Rail Prairie 9, and Custom Pattern.

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Marvin Elevate vs Marvin Ultimate: Comparison

The exact price of both Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate window products may vary, depending on the pricing provided by the selected Marvin Professional or dealer. To request the most accurate project estimate, you can contact an authorized dealer by going through Marvin’s website and find the nearest expert in your area.

In general, the cost of Marvin ElevateĀ® ranges from $325 to $1200, while Marvin Ultimate ranges from $525 to $1500. It includes the materials and installation cost. The price may also differ, depending on the specific window styles and sizes. 

Both Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate offer a Limited Warranty, which is fully transferable and extends to the purchaser or owner of the structure in which the products are originally installed.

For the exterior finish, Marvin ElevateĀ® provides 10 years of warranty while Marvin Ultimate provides 20 years. The warranty covers manufacturing defects resulting in chalk, fade, and loss of adhesion (peel). 

For the interior finish, both Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate offer 5 years of warranty, which covers the stained or painted interior finish defects, including peeling, delamination, checking, cracking, blistering, and flaking. It also covers excessive chalking, fading, or changing in color under normal interior environmental conditions. 

For insulating glass seals, both offer 20 years of warranty with coverage of seal failure for most glass sizes caused by manufacturing defects and resulting in visible obstruction through the glass. For the glass, both provide 10 years of warranty with coverage of stress cracks caused by manufacturing defects in the non-tempered glass.

Marvin ElevateĀ®’s proprietary fiberglass has 41.6 tensile strength, which is eight times stronger than vinyl, and three times stronger than wood or vinyl composites. Its proprietary fiberglass is durable, can withstand all elements, and remains stable even under extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions.

Because of this, Marvin ElevateĀ®’s window products resist cracking, fading, chalking, and peeling.

Marvin Ultimate has a wood core composition and features an aluminum-clad exterior that passes the American Architectural Manufacturersā€™ Association (AAMA 2605) standard certification, making the window products resistant to chalk and erosion.

Its aluminum-clad also provides protection against sun exposure, impacts from debris during a hurricane, or harsh conditions, and helps retain the gloss and color of the window material.

Marvin ElevateĀ® uses Ultrex Pultruded Fiberglass, a thermostat material made of saturated cables of fiberglass and resins through a chemical heating process. This type of material is non-corrosive and non-conductive, which doesn’t soften or melt even when exposed to harsh environmental temperatures.

The Ultrex Pultruded Fiberglass is also one of the best insulators compared to other window-frame materials.

Marvin Ultimate uses an extruded aluminum with PVDF fluoropolymer paint finish. This type of aluminum is low-maintenance and offers a myriad of options when it comes to custom profiles due to its flexibility in the cutting and fabrication process.


Marvin Elevate vs Marvin Ultimate: Final Showdown

Both Marvin ElevateĀ® and Marvin Ultimate are Energy-Star certified, and they offer sustainable energy-efficient windows, which help reduce energy costs and environmental impact while keeping your house cooler during summer and warm during winter.

If you want additional protection, Marvin Ultimate is an ideal window product line choice because it features a Lock Status Sensor with a concealed design that shows if a window is closed or unlocked. Marvin Ultimate is also the best choice for you if you prefer a wide range of design options available for colors and finishes, screens, and patterns. 

If you prefer high-performing, durable, and beautiful window products with good warranty coverage that are also less expensive, Marvin ElevateĀ® suits you best. It’s also a great choice for places exposed to harsh weather conditions and temperatures, as it can withstand all types of elements.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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