Quintessentially British, perfect for any property era or interiors style, highly practical and completely customisable – it’s easy to see why homeowners up and down the country love steel-framed, also known as steel-look or steel-inspired, glazing.

This style was introduced nearly 200 years ago by Crittall Windows. Steel-framed glazing features iconic slimline black bars typically with square or rectangle panels of glass. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram, perusing interiors magazines, or looking at kitchen brochures, chances are you’ve come across it.

Steel is traditionally the material used for this type of glazing. It lasts in excess of 60 years and delivers unbeatable strength, thermal efficiency and security. Plus, it is available in a range of sizes, shapes and colours.

However, while there are many benefits to steel, it can come with longer lead times, potentially up to 12 weeks. Prices can start from approximately £1850 per sq m, or expect to pay around £2500 for a single steel door. Still, it’s worth noting costs do vary, depending on factors including size, type of glazing, door furniture and colour.

Alternative materials

With steel being such an investment, homeowners have now found other ways to replicate the look. The most common steel alternative – costing around three times less – is aluminium. And, “with a life expectancy of around 45 years, aluminium is a popular choice as it’s a low-density metal, which means that it is very strong whilst also being lightweight,” says John Shaw, managing director at Vibrant Doors.

“Like steel doors, aluminium doors are also finished with a tough polyester powder coat finish (typically black to replicate the famous look, but there are other options out there, too) which, by design, is incredibly hardy – being scratch- and stain-resistant.”

Unlike steel though, they’re also corrosion resistant. This means they aren’t susceptible to rusting, making them a lower-maintenance option, too. The lead times are typically shorter than steel as well, starting from around four to six weeks.

It’s worth noting that when used to create the steel look, aluminium has its finish applied before it is cut. So, when the windows are made, you can see the joints in the corners. Steel is welded together before the frame finishes are applied, resulting in it looking like one continuous piece of metal.

Wood is also an option. Being a highly sustainable material, it adds warmth and texture to a design, with the added benefit of exceptional thermal performance. “Steel and aluminium are very much of the moment, but timber has been used for doors and windows for hundreds of years,” explains Robert Speight from Urbane Design. “You can copy the colour, frame style and shape of steel doors with timber – but they will not look like steel. This is due to the strength to weight ratio: timber frames will often be larger than aluminium or steel.”

Timber also requires much more maintenance than powder-coated aluminium or steel, as the frames will need repainting or re-staining regularly.

Steel-framed glazing formats

Whichever you eventually go for, there’s an array of formats to choose from. Think completely bespoke, French doors, single doors, end gables, fixed screens, sliding and bi-folds. You can even line up the glazing bars on your windows to interior finishes such as those on cabinetry or banquette seating. However, you’d need these to be planned during the design phase of the project.

These types of frames are becoming increasingly popular internally, too. From being a stylish way to separate a kitchen from its larder or dining zone, to helping introduce more natural light into dark hallways, and even providing a screen for your walk-in shower. If you’re considering internal glazing, then have them fitted with toughened safety glass and check their fire rating (FR).

We recommend going to see your glazing choice in person before purchasing. And, get at least three quotes from different suppliers and compare them like for like. Looking at reviews will also help you make your decision on who to hire, as this style of windows and doors – while undoubtedly worth it – are investment pieces for your forever homes.

Written by Georgina Townshend and Vicki Evans.

Featured image: The entire exterior wall of this kitchen renovation by Amy Stoddart Studio has been covered with steel-framed glazing from Perla Windows, making for a dramatic, modern space. Photography: Chris Snook.

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