Steel look windows and doors

Black steel look windows and doors in aluminium is a term for iconic thin black-framed windows and doors with a distinctive box grid design. They are also referred to as Art Deco, 1920s, 1930s, black steel, industrial, heritage, and Crittall® style windows and doors. The minimalist black steel look windows and doors appeal to architects and homeowners who desire a traditional yet modern contemporary aesthetic.

The Crittall® style, strongly associated with the Art Deco and Modernist movements of the 1920s and 1930s, is currently experiencing a revival, proving its timeless appeal. Crittall Windows Ltd., an English manufacturer of steel-framed windows and doors, has a rich history in the style; the original company led by Francis Henry Crittall began manufacturing metal windows in 1884.

Steel look windows and doors, suitable for both internal doors and screens and external doors and windows, have become popular today due to the unique properties of aluminium. This allows for thin, strong frames that can compete with steel counterparts. They come in any design and colour you want, including the popular anthracite grey.

Steel look windows and doors Versus genuine black steel windows and doors

While aluminium offers a credible alternative to steel, steel is still the best. Nothing beats a genuine steel window’s authenticity, quality and longevity; they are the real deal and offer the slimmest sightlines and arguably the finest aesthetics for this glazing style.

However, the incredible quality and craftsmanship of steel windows also come at a higher price; this is where aluminium steel look windows and doors offer a similar look and meet today’s trend without the cost of the genuine product.

To summarise, steel look aluminium windows and doors are not intended to replicate steel 100% or a particular steel window brands such as Crittall®; however, they do come with similar details found in the genuine product. These include:

• The grid-like pattern with slim glazing bars
• Slim frames with traditional or modern styling
• Huge colour choices including the traditional matt black matt and popular anthracite grey
• Doors with deep bottom rails and a panel or backplate behind the handles
• Available as exterior-grade windows and doors as well as internal doors and screens

External black steel look windows and doors

Aluminium steel look windows and doors are suitable for new extensions, new builds, and as replacements for existing metal, plastic, or timber windows.

Aluminium steel look doors are available as single, double French patio doors and bifolding doors. Aluminium steel look windows offer the same multiple solutions as other materials, with all the required security, energy efficiency, weather protection and configuration.

One of the benefits of new aluminium windows when replacing old windows is how well they fit into stone surrounds and hardwood subframes, allowing you to retain building features. With narrow frames and various edge designs, aluminium steel look windows give a similar look to the windows they replace.

Of course, aluminium steel look windows and doors provide an excellent alternative to steel for replacing old metal windows.

Many original metal window installations were single-glazed, non-insulated, and came with basic locking. While modern steel windows do come with insulation, security, and double-glazing, aluminium remains cheaper and, in many cases, provides better thermal performance than steel. Steel windows typically offer a C or B window energy rating; aluminium will provide better thermal performance depending on the brand and glass specification.

When replacing old steel windows, it’s worth considering the style of window being replaced. Crittall® and other metal windows came in different styles and descriptions. Examples include putty-line windows, hopper windows, French Casements and W20.

When replacing old steel windows, it’s worth considering the style of window being replaced. Crittall® and other metal windows came in different styles and descriptions. Examples include putty line windows, hopper windows, French Casements, W20.

Understanding steel look windows and doors vs steel replacement

When researching for this style of glazing you will come across different terminology. There are two distinct differences in the intent for this type of window.

First, there are those seeking new or replacement windows in the steel-look style. Second, there are those looking for replacements for their existing steel or old Crittall® window.

Therefore steel-look and steel-replacement usually imply the same range of products. It’s how and where they’re fitted that often results in different designs and frame styles, for instance, odd leg frames for timber or stone surround, equal leg frames for more standard openings.

How to buy steel look windows and doors

Steel look windows and doors now come in many different product types such as windows, screens, patio doors, residential doors, single and double doors with sidelights.  

Many aluminium systems companies offer slimline aluminium windows that are not specifically intended as steel replacement windows. Despite this, they’re widely used for this purpose. You can obtain odd leg or equal leg windows with minimal sightlines. At the same time, you get a similar aesthetic to traditional steel windows. Steel replacement windows in aluminium still offer the slim lines, strength and extensive colour choices.We have some useful information about the cost of steel replacement windows and factors affecting the price. 

Most folding sliding doors in this style are standard bifolds with bars applied. However, some suppliers provide more credible versions. There’s presently no dedicated aluminium system for exterior sliding doors. Here, you’ll get the best result using a thin sliding door product with applied slim bars.

For interior glazing, you’ll find exterior doors with minor modifications or dedicated internal steel-look products, including single doors, double doors, fixed screens and sliding doors. We’ve also put together information for interior doors or screens needing a fire-rating.

The trade can contact us for details of some of the best fabricators and suppliers of steel-replacement systems. Homeowners can also contact us for further information and advice of where to buy.

Crittall® is a registered trademark of Crittall Windows Limited which is unconnected to the Door and Window Experts Website.