Tuscany vs Ultra
Milgard Tuscany Windows Series V400 vs. Milgard Ultra Windows Series C650
When homeowners start looking at Milgard Windows, two of the most popular choices that usually come up are the Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows and the Milgard Tuscany Series V400 Vinyl Windows. Both options are well known for their energy efficiency, wide range of styles, and Milgard’s windows trusted Full/Limited Lifetime Warranty. Milgard has also announced an updated Ultra line coming soon, although details on the design changes and pricing are still under wraps.
Total Frame Depth by Window Type
| Window Type | Milgard Tuscany Windows Nail On Frame | Milgard Ultra Windows Nail On Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Sliding | 3 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| Single Hung | 3 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| Double Hung | 3 1/4" | Not Available |
| Picture Window | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" |
| Casement | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" |
| Awning | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" |
| Bay / Bow Windows | 4 9/16" - 6 9/16" | 4 9/16" - 6 9/16" |
| Sliding Doors (2,3,4) | 4 5/8" | 5 7/8" |
Style Availability
| Window Type | Milgard Tuscany Windows | Milgard Ultra Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Sliding | Yes | Yes |
| Single Hung | Yes | Yes |
| Double Hung | Yes | No |
| Picture Window | Yes | Yes |
| Casement | Yes | Yes |
| Awning | Yes | Yes |
| Bay / Bow Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Sliding Doors (2,3,4) | Yes | Yes |
Energy Star Qualification
| Window Type | Milgard Tuscany Windows | Milgard Ultra Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Sliding | Yes | Yes |
| Single Hung | Yes | Yes |
| Double Hung | Yes | Double Hung Not Available |
| Picture Window | Yes | Yes |
| Casement | Yes | Yes |
| Awning | Yes | Yes |
| Bay / Bow Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Sliding Doors (2,3,4) | Yes | Yes |
Frame Materials: Fiberglass vs. Vinyl
One of the biggest differences homeowners notice when comparing Milgard Windows is the material used to build the frame. The Ultra Series relies on fiberglass, while the Tuscany Series uses high‑performance vinyl.
Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows use fiberglass, a material known for strength and stability. These frames have mechanically fastened corners (make sure to read “How They are Made” below) which gives a clean appearance, resist warping, swelling, and rotting, which makes them a great fit for homes in climates with extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Homeowners also appreciate that fiberglass can be painted to match trim or give Milgard Windows a more custom look.
Milgard Tuscany Windows Series V400 Vinyl Windows rely on durable vinyl. The welded corners create a strong seal that prevents leaks and boosts insulation. Unlike fiberglass, vinyl never needs painting, which makes these Milgard Windows a low‑maintenance and budget‑friendly option.
Frame Material Comparison
| Feature | Milgard Tuscany Windows | Milgard Ultra Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Material | High-performance vinyl | Pultruded fiberglass |
| Strength & Stability | Welded corners, less rigid than fiberglass | Extremely strong, resists warping/swelling |
| Finish Options | Multiple vinyl colors incl. Black Capstock | Can be painted, mimics natural wood |
| Maintenance | No painting required, very low maintenance | Low maintenance, repaintable if desired |
| Climate Performance | Insulates well in most climates | Best in extreme heat/cold/humidity |
| Longevity | Cost-effective with strong warranty | Premium durability, long-term investment |
Appearance & Finish Options
Appearance matters just as much as performance when choosing new Milgard Windows. Both the Ultra and Tuscany series have attractive designs, but their finishes and options differ.
| Feature | Milgard Tuscany Windows Nail On Frame | Milgard Ultra Windows Nail On Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Style Profile | Traditional vinyl profile | Sleek, modern, wood-like |
| Paintability | No — factory colors only | Yes — can be painted any exterior color |
| Finish Options | Multiple vinyl finishes incl. Black Capstock | Wide range of exterior colors |
| Visual Appeal | Clean, low-maintenance vinyl look | Mimics natural wood grain |
Energy Efficiency
Both the Milgard Ultra Series C650 and the Milgard Tuscany Series V400 meet ENERGY STAR® standards in most configurations. Still, each line of Milgard Windows performs a little differently depending on the frame material and glass package you select.
Milgard Windows also stand out when you look at how they perform across different regions. In the heat of Arizona summers, fiberglass frames in the Ultra Series stay rigid and resist warping. In Colorado, where winters can be long and cold, Tuscany’s naturally insulating vinyl helps keep homes comfortable and Washington, where rain is a constant, both Tuscany and Ultra provide tight seals that prevent leaks and drafts. Homeowners in California benefit from both lines, with energy packages that qualify statewide for ENERGY STAR® ratings.
How They’re Made
Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows are mechanically fastened (screwed together) at the corners, giving strength and a paintable surface, though the joinery is visible. A note of caution for Milgard Ultra being mechanically fastened. A big word of caution, Milgard uses pan head screws so if you order your windows Net Frame size then they will come out ½ inch less to accommodate for the screws. This really gets tricky if you’re using with a Z-Bar flange. Tuscany Series V400 Vinyl Windows are fully welded, with corners heat-fused for a seamless frame and tighter seal.
Cost & Value
Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows cost more upfront but provide long-term durability and a premium look. Tuscany Series V400 Vinyl Windows are more budget-friendly while still carrying Milgard Windows Full/Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Style Availability
Both series cover the most popular window styles, but only Tuscany offers double hung windows and garden windows.
Durability & Maintenance
Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows resist swelling, warping, or rotting. Maintenance is minimal — painting if you want to change colors later.
Milgard Tuscany Windows Series V400 Vinyl Windows never require painting and resist peeling or fading. Vinyl frames are extremely easy to care for, making these Milgard Windows ideal for busy homeowners.
Warranty
Both the Ultra Series C650 and Tuscany Series V400 are backed by the Milgard’s Full/Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes accidental glass breakage in the Tuscany V400 series. No compromise — both series have some of the best warranty protection in the industry.
Customer Reviews
At 1stWindows.com, we’ve collected more than 1,900 authentic Milgard Windows reviews, each tagged with city and state. Homeowners consistently praise Tuscany’s affordability and wide availability, while Ultra is often chosen for its architectural look and fiberglass strength.
Here’s what one homeowner in San Diego had to say about Milgard’s warranty support:
“Milgard and 1stwindows are second to none in their Customer Service and commitment to their warranty. I am a person that likes to be a \loyal customer\". If you have a good product, stand behind it and deliver great service; you have earned my business for life! That is Milgard Windows! They are a pleasure to do business with and their services is superior. There is a lot of competition out there with products and their product is top notch. What gives them the edge in the industry is their continued, consistent, superior customer service! Prompt, professional and committed to customer satisfaction! " San Diego, CA (San Diego County)”
A Phoenix family shared their experience after comparing multiple Milgard series:
“We live in Phoenix and shopped locally. After doing our due diligence we decided to go with 1stWindows.com. They explained all our options and the differences in the different series that Milgard windows offers. We decided to go with Trinsic after the staff explained all our options. We chose white due to the heat. The windows were delivered as promised. Very Satisfied. Phoenix, AZ (Maricopa County)”
Homeowners in Denver noted how simple installation was and praised the overall quality of their purchase:
“We have been very satisfied with both the easy of installation (I installed them myself). We bought them from 1stwindows and the quality of the windows. Denver, CO (Adams County)”
A Seattle couple explained why buying local and choosing Milgard made sense for them:
“We are in our mid 60s and doing our last remodel. We wanted to buy Milgard because we live in Seattle they are a local company here in Washington. We got several bids from local dealers because we believe in buying local. We chose 1stWindows because they educated us on all the products and answered all our questions. The staff really seemed to care and we felt like we were family friend. Everything showed on time and our installer had all them in within two days. We can already tell the difference and the house feels more comfortable! Seattle, WA (King County) “
Conclusion: Choosing Between Milgard Tuscany and Ultra
Choose Milgard Tuscany Windows Series V400 if you’re looking for the most affordable, energy‑efficient vinyl option with plenty of style flexibility, including double hung and garden windows.
Go with Milgard Ultra Series C650 Fiberglass Windows if you want a premium upgrade — a frame that mimics the look of wood, can be painted any color, and is built to stand up to tough climates.
At the end of the day, both series of Milgard Windows deliver strong performance and warranty protection. The right choice comes down to whether you value the cost‑effective simplicity of vinyl or the long‑term strength and flexibility of fiberglass. At 1stWindows.com, you can compare real‑time pricing, read verified homeowner reviews, and build your Milgard quote online with ease.
About the Author:
Douglas Lopez
Douglas Lopez is a Certified AAMA Installation Master with over 30 years’ experience installing Milgard Windows & Doors. As the founder of 1stWindows.com, one of the first authorized Milgard Platinum Certified dealers to sell windows online, Douglas has helped thousands of homeowners across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington find the right Milgard products with factory-direct pricing and expert support.
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