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Pella vs Velux vs Panda | Window Costs & Features

Written on January 30, 2025
Entrance to an Abercrombie & Fitch store with a modern

Key Takeaways

  • Panda Windows & Doors offers more than 50 high-quality systems including Folding Doors, Lift & Slides, and Horizontal Wall Systems.
  • Velux specializes in roof windows and skylights, making them ideal for bringing natural light into attic spaces.
  • Pella is known for its wide range of window styles and energy-efficient options, including the Pella 250 and Architect series.
  • Panda’s custom glass wall systems are designed for both residential and commercial markets, making them versatile and highly customizable.
  • When considering pricing, factors such as material quality, customization options, and energy efficiency play significant roles in the overall cost.

Panda vs Velux vs Pella Product Overview

At Panda Windows & Doors we have carved a niche for ourselves in the custom-made glass wall system market. We offer over 50 high-quality systems including:

  • Folding Doors
  • Lift & Slides
  • Horizontal Wall Systems
  • Pivot Doors
  • French Doors
  • Architectural Windows
  • Retractable Screens

Velux, on the other hand, produces roof windows and skylights. So if you’re looking to bring more natural light into spaces that are otherwise hard to illuminate, such as attics and lofts, Velux’s products are designed just for that. Its product range includes:

  • Top-hung roof windows
  • Pivoting roof windows
  • Sun tunnels

Pella is a well-known name in the industry, offering a wide range of styles and energy-efficient options. Its product range includes:

  • Casement windows
  • Double-hung windows
  • Gliding windows
  • Entry doors
  • Patio doors
  • Storm doors

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.
We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 8-12 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.
Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

Unique Product Lines & Standout Products

Panda Windows & Doors

Some of our notable lines include its Folding Doors and Lift & Slide systems. These products are designed to allow seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

Another standout product is the TS.X0, a minimalist sliding door system that offers maximum glass surface with minimal frame intrusion. The system is ideal for modern builds and commercial spaces with beautiful views or, for customers who want to create an open, airy atmosphere.

Velux

Velux specializes in roof windows and skylights. Its standout product line includes solar-powered “fresh air” skylights and GGU roof windows featuring a maintenance-free polyurethane coating and a top-hung design that allows for unobstructed views and maximum ventilation.

Velux Cabrio Balcony is another popular product offered by the company which transforms from a roof window into a small balcony in seconds.

Pella

Pella’s Architect Series is one of their most popular product lines, highly regarded for their quality and performance. Another of the company’s notable lines is the Pella 250 Series, which offers excellent energy efficiency and durability.

Features

Design & Customization Options

At Panda, all our doors and windows are custom-built. We have over 50 different systems and more than 80 customization options you can choose from and, even if you have unusual project specifications, we’ll design them for you.

living room

Panda offers glass wall systems with ultra-slim sightlines that allow for uninterrupted views.

Whether you have a large, expansive opening or looking for a more traditional look, we can tailor our window and door solutions to your specific architectural needs.

Velux and Pella both offer customization option - customers can choose from various glazing options, blinds and shades, or modes of operation to set their roof windows apart.

Pella’s Architect Series, for example, offers various styles, including casement, double-hung, and awning windows - all of which can be customized to fit unique spaces.

Material Quality & Durability

As a custom glass door and window manufacturer, we use only high-end, quality materials for all production.

Our aluminum-framed systems are designed using extruded aluminum for their resistance to harsh weather, durability, longevity, and ability to maintain their aesthetic appeal for a long time.

Luxurious outdoor patio area

Panda’s expansive glass door systems allow for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

We also use natural wood for our solid wood and wood-clad systems for that authentic natural, and warm look and feel that only natural wood offers.

Velux products are also built to withstand inclement weather - and they feature high-performance glazing solutions - while Pella’s windows are constructed from high-quality materials, including wood, fiberglass, and vinyl. The Pella 250 Series, made from durable vinyl, is designed to resist warping, cracking, and fading.

Energy Efficiency & Performance

At Panda, all of our door and window systems come standard with Low-E glass for superior thermal performance. We can, of course, use any glazing type, such as double- or triple-pane glass, or gas-filled options for your project.

We can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency with our thermally broken aluminum frames to reduce heat transfer, thus keeping your home comfortable year-round.

While Velux’s roof windows and skylights primarily allow ample daylight and ventilation, they will also be great for your home’s energy efficiency. For instance, they reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling, which helps lower your energy costs - and typically come with high-performance glass that provides excellent insulation.

Most of Pella’s windows meet ENERGY STAR® standards. The Pella 250 Series offers excellent insulation and noise reduction, making them a perfect choice if you live in a noisy neighborhood.

Pricing and Costs

Panda

At Panda, we offer a range of high-quality, customizable products, which can affect the overall costs. Even while our products are custom-made, we have entry products with more budget-friendly price points, like our Panda Select doors.

Modern entrance doorway

Panda offers large door systems that can fit wide openings up to 16.9” wide and 12” high.

To get the exact cost of our Panda products, you’ll need to contact our representative, who will give you a quote based on your needs.

Velux

Velux products, while generally more affordable than Panda, still offer excellent quality and performance. The final cost of your Velux roof window or skylight will depend primarily on the specific product and customizations you require.

Pella

Pella offers a range of products at different price points, making them accessible to a broad audience. If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy performance without breaking the bank, their Pella 250 series may be worth exploring.

Factors Affecting Pricing

Several factors can influence the overall cost of windows and doors, including:

  • Material Quality: Higher-quality materials, such as aluminum or premium wood, can increase the cost but offer better durability and performance.
  • Customization Options: Customizable products, like those offered by Panda, can come at a higher price due to the tailored design and manufacturing process.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient windows and doors, such as those from Pella, may have a higher upfront cost but can provide long-term savings on energy bills.
  • Installation: Professional installation services can add to the overall cost but ensure proper fitting and performance of the windows and doors.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors For Your Bespoke Designs

When you're working on a project that demands something truly special, Panda Windows & Doors offers the perfect solution. We have something for you whether you're looking to create expansive glass walls that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living or need custom-designed doors and windows that fit unique architectural visions.

Our products are beautiful and functional, but here are some more reasons to choose us:

Panda Windows & Doors Advantages

  • Unmatched Customization: we offer fully customizable solutions for any design or size requirement.
  • Premium Quality: all our products are built with high-quality materials like thermally broken aluminum for longevity and performance.
  • Innovative Designs: we deliver unique, award-winning products that set the standard in the industry.
  • Energy Efficiency: our products are engineered for superior thermal performance, reducing energy costs.
  • Exceptional Durability: our doors and windows are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions without compromising aesthetics or function.

Contact us to learn more about our bespoke windows and doors for your home or business today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Panda windows more expensive than Velux and Pella?

Yes, our Panda windows and doors are generally more expensive than Velux and Pella due to their high-quality materials, customizable options, and innovative designs. But, of course, we also have more affordable, entry-level products.

What makes Velux windows unique?

Velux windows are unique because they specialize in roof windows and skylights. Their products are designed to bring natural light into spaces that are otherwise hard to illuminate, such as attics and lofts.

How does Pella ensure energy efficiency?

Pella ensures energy efficiency through high-quality materials and advanced glazing options. Many of their products meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards, providing excellent insulation and thermal performance.

Which window brand offers the best customization options?

At Panda, we’re proud to say that we offer the best customization options, with over 50 different systems that can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Our products, such as the TS.X0 minimalist sliding door system, are designed to provide maximum glass surface with minimal frame intrusion.