Classic Series windows and doors are constructed of Pine as standard (shown top left), for a stable product that will accept many beautiful finishes. But don't let that limit your plans. Other wood species may be requested, such as (top row:) Alder, Fir, Oak,(bottom row:) Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Mahogany and more.

People choose wood windows and doors for their natural beauty, yet it's important to plan for the effects that can occur to wood in a real-life setting. Exterior wood components of Classic Series windows & doors are immersed in a preservative treatment before assembly. The preservative incorporates an insecticide and a fungicide, which helps the wood resist decay. The treated wood meets preservative and water repellency requirements of WDMA I.S.4-2000.

From the selection of wood to delivery of the final product, Kolbe meets strict standards for quality construction. For instance, windows are sealed on both sides of the glass. Interior removable wood grilles have a full perimeter frame for stability. Entrance doors are built with laminated veneered lumber on the locking stiles for strength and security. Most door stiles and rails are joined using the dowel-and-glue method. Weatherstripping is strategically placed to enhance the insulating properties. Aluminum clad units have vinyl nailing fins applied as standard, to ease installation; drip caps are integral to the nailing fins to divert water. Plus, when mulled, selected products have concealed mullion stiffeners comprised of 1/4" steel bars, for incredible strength.

At Kolbe, we employ craftspeople that care about the products they build. Units are carefully assembled, aluminum cladding and hardware are applied, glass is set in, and optional grilles may be applied… sash are installed into frames, then units are wrapped for protection during shipping. We are dedicated to making quality windows and doors, and ensuring that they arrive in the best possible condition.

Classic Series products have dual-insulating glass units with LoE²-270 coating, argon gas, and Thermo-Edge spacers on most units as standard. This helps them to meet or exceed current ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency in all climate zones.

However, energy requirements are becoming more stringent, with lower U-values and solar heat gain coefficients necessary to be eligible for federal tax credits. That's why we've added the options of ThermaPlus LoE²-270 and ThermaPlus LoE³-366, which augment the LoE options with ThermaPlus LoE hardcoat and extra coating on a dual-insulating glass unit's interior surface.

Many other insulating glass* options are available as well, such as LoE²-240 for solar control in southern areas, LoE³-366, or pattern 62 obscure glass for privacy. (*Classic Series products are not available with single pane glass.) Tempered glass is standard on doors for safety and may be requested for windows as well. Laminated glass is available for additional safety. Learn more about Glass types.

Plus, Kolbe offers the option of protective film on glass, to help reduce the potential for damage and ease cleanup after installation on the jobsite.

Gilkey has other options available including Heat Mirror triple pane glass and Mini-Blinds between the glass. Ask your representative about all of our glass options.

Aluminum cladding is applied to the exterior of Classic Series windows and doors as standard, with several classic colors of polyester finish.

Most wood products are unfinished on the interior as standard, but many options are available. Units may be interior primed at the factory for finishing on the jobsite, or have final finishes applied at the factory, such as clear coat, stain, and paint.

View our interior finish page for details about the primer, stains, paint and more.

Wood is perfect for crafting, so interior wood casing and trim options are virtually limitless. Corner blocks or rosettes add a special touch. Feel free to ask about wood casing, especially for hard-to-match radius windows. Learn more about interior wood trim.