Thanks, mwm! Just to make sure I understand, what is the difference between an entry sill and a patio sill? Is one just flatter? Would it really make a noticeable difference?

Ok, so it turns out that the Kolbe is only going to be about $400 more all told. The Marvin can work, but it is going to have to be carefully detailed for the sill to not be "patio-ish."

Would you err on the side of the better sill or having the same brand of windows and doors everywhere?

The Kolbe door would look more contemporary since it has a square profile on the exterior and interior stops. The marvin contemporary door is just their patio door with narrower styles and rails I believe. Most of the time the entry door is a differen't brand than the windows since most window brands don't make entrance doors, just patio doors. So it wouldn't be weird. Either door would be fine, just who's door functions best as an entry door.

Better sill, but staying with either Kolbe or Marvin. If you go back to your original original post I posted examples of both types of sill.

mwm, I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean by " better sill but staying with Kolbe or Marvin." You mean don't look at any other brands? in other words, get the Kolbe?
I will reread your posts in the other thread.

Ok, millworkman, I reread your post and I think I understand the difference. What do you think of Renovator8's suggestion to use the optional mahogany sill cover? Would that bring it into the realm of an entry sill, or should I chuck the whole thing and get the Kolbe? It's difficult because I will have to choose without seeing either in person.

This is the VistaLuxe threshold

This is the Marvin threshold. It's an older model so might be different now, not sure.

Exactly FT and by "better sill", I meant I would go for the better door sill for an entry door even being more money as opposed to a patio door sill.

Thanks guys! If the folks who told me to buy Marvin windows tell me to get the Kolbe door, I'm doing it. :-)

I am new to this forum but was interested in the Post as I am liking Vistaluxe by Kolbe a lot. It was very eye opening to see the photos of the Marvin versus the Kolbe sill wow Light color sills next to Black Door and casing not ver attractive and I am sure will get dirty very quickly. as far as aesthetics it seems like a no Brainer a single solid color is how I like my exterior Entry units unless its a solid wood Door when I like Bronze...

Marvin does have a bronze color sill option but the beige is their standard. VistaLuxe is a full collection of windows and doors built for the contemporary market while Marvin just uses their clad line with a square glazing bead on the interior.