American Craftsman 50 Series Reviews
The American Craftsman 50 series is an economy vinyl window that is sold almost exclusively sold through the big box stores such as Home Depot. American Craftsman by Anderson are typically available in much of the eastern part of the United States with the exception of Florida. All in all, the 50 model is not a very well made unit - I would suggest that you take a look at our best cheap replacement windows page for a list of budget windows that may work better. Browse below to check out all of our American Craftsman 50 series reviews.
Standard features on the 50 Series window include dual weatherstripping and a beveled exterior frame. The double hung model does include a tilt in option on both the bottom and the top sashes for easier cleaning. The single hung model includes this tilt in feature on the lower sash. The window is available in a number of styles. These include double hung, single hung, casement, awning, fixed picture window, as well as in several specialty shapes.
Consumers can expect the American Craftsman 50 window replacement price to run $250 to $350 for the window itself. Of course, predicting window prices can be tricky business. However, this is our best guesstimate for a standard sized double hung replacement window.
-- Window Itself: $250 to $350 --
-- Standard Installation: $50 to $150 per opening --
-- Fully Installed: $300 to $500 fully installed --
From the consumer standpoint, Home Depot offers excellent pricing, typically a price point that cannot be matched by local distributors. On the downside, HD will not offer the sort of specialized customer service, customization options and quality of installation that can be accessed through a local distributor. My suggestion for budget conscious consumers looking at the American Craftsman 50 window is to purchase the window through Home Depot if they have your size and options, and then find a quality independent installer, instead of using the HD subcontractors, who are typically paid at a low per window rate.
Company Summary: American Craftsman was once owned Andersen windows, but is now owned by Ply Gem. The brand is primarily sold out of the big box stores and is known as a builder grade window. I would use an American Craftsman window for a house flip or a rental property, but little else.
Review By John M. - Site Editor - Updated In 2025
American Craftsman 50 Series Features
Many times, if consumers do you want custom features, sizes or styles, they will have to special order it with delivery times typically in the 3 to 4 week timeframe. Compare the 50 series to the American Craftsman 70 series here.
The American Craftsman 50 series can be ordered in a white or beige on both the interior or exterior frame, as well as in a white or beige interior cam lock. Consumers can choose from three different grill options. These include a Contour, Simulated divided Light, and a Flat style. There are a whole host of grill patterns that can help enhance the look of the 50 series, including styles such as Diamond, Prairie, Estate, Colonial and Farmhouse. Consumers can opt for a number of different glass upgrades, including a low E, low E3, tempered glass (laminated glass), obscure glass, and a low E low solar glass.
50 Series Price Tag
Comparable windows include Jeld Wen Builders Vinyl costs and Window World prices.
American Craftsman Warranty
The American Craftsman 50 vinyl window warranty is pretty typical for an entry-level or bargain window, it does not cover much. The 50 series does comes with the limited lifetime warranty from American Craftsman by Anderson. The warranty includes a lifetime provision on materials and workmanship on the frame and sash, as well as the insulated glass unit.
The warranty does not cover the labor cost to pull the defective window out or replace it, simply the part(s) and/or the replacement window itself. The remainder of the warranty, which is available online, deals with the limitations and exclusions that apply to the window. We urge all consumers to read the warranty info before purchasing this product.
50 Series Complaint
American craftsmam 50 series single hung viynl window. Too much tention when closing. With cord, how do you adjust. Nothing on line. Bought from home depot. Also, I asked at store, but they were clueless. I'm irritated.
Randall - Homeowner - January, 2024
Website Editor's Answer
Randall, I usually recommend youtube.com for these sorts of things. After you watch a few, you should have a good idea what the issue is. By the way, AC50 are always running into problems.
Trouble shooting the AC 50 series window
Editor Jim R. - January, 2024
American Craftsman 50 Series Reviews
Hi I have the 50 Series American Craftsman to be installed in a concrete opening without any wood or buck boards. Also, I have aluminum mull bars also that need to attach and as you know there are no holes in window frame. Thank you.
Brad - Homeowner - February, 2020
Website Editor's Answer
Brad, are you asking about the best way to install the window? I wasn't quite sure what you were asking, but I would find an installer who has experience working with installing windows in a concrete frame. That would be my primary concern. The AC 50 is a pretty low end window in my opinion. If you are buying from the big box stores, I would go with their best possible window to avoid issues down the road. The cost is not that much more and you may save yourself some serious headaches.
If this is a DIY installation, I would get a few mock bids from local contractors and pepper them with all of your installation questions. Kind of an underhanded way to get information, but cest la vie. Before doing this, I would go to youtube.com and spend an hour or so looking for video tutorials on how to install windows in concrete.
Editor John M. - February, 2020
Brad's Answer Back
Hi like I stated they were ordered from Home Depot windows and have no holes so just found out you have to drill your own. Also, when order and they order the rough opening but did not consider the puck strips. So the windows are actually bigger than they need to be and it's not going to be a normal install.
We will install these in Florida. So, we're also wondering why do we even need the boards or wood strips if we just want to attach it into the concrete so we could avoid termite damage. Anyway, thank you for your reply.
Brad - Homeowner - February, 2020
Website Editor's Answer
Brad, as long as you can properly attach the frame to the concrete and seal the around the window, you don't need the wood strips. Again, I would just advise doing some research by looking at our page on American Craftsman 50 series reviews. Then, go online and watch the videos on youtube.com on how to properly install the window into concrete. Good luck!
Editor John M. - February, 2020
Related Topic: Jeld Wen Builder Vinyl Reviews
* ProVia Aspect Windows Reviews