Steel look windows and doors

Steel look windows and doors in aluminium create the look of industrial, Heritage and Art Deco glazing. These are the aluminium alternative, although never the same, as the authentic Crittall® doors and windows and steel glazing by other manufacturers and brands.

Highly sought-after, desirable and on-trend. Whilst aluminium originally only offered doors and windows as a cheaper alternative to steel, now these products have matured into systems and an even wider range of products in the look of industrial or classic steel. Other terms for these include steel-replacement, Crittall® style, Scandi, Hygge and even contemporary.

Information about steel look windows and doors

Importantly, while aluminium versions of Information about steel look windows and doors offer credible alternatives to steel, only genuine steel products are best. Nothing beats the authenticity, quality and longevity of a genuine steel window. Steel windows are the real deal, offer even slimmer sightlines and arguably the finest aesthetics for this style of glazing. However, the incredible quality and craftsmanship of steel windows also come at a higher price. And 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.

Other pages In this section

Who makes the best steel look products

Find out which essential features combine together to create the most reliable and cost effective solution to create the wow-factor people love about steel.

Steel replacement buying guide

There’s never been so much choice. Discover everything you need to know about the products, designs and systems, for aluminium steel-look windows.

So whilst aluminium steel look windows and doors are never intended to 100% replicate steel or a particular brand of steel windows such as Crittall®, they do come with similar details found in the genuine product. These include:

  • The grid-like pattern using slimline glazing bars
  • Slimline frames with traditional or modern styling
  • The desirable black matt colour or other suitable shade
  • Doors with deep bottom rails and a panel or backplate behind the handles
  • Suitable for exterior-grade doors as well as internal doors and screens

Where you can use steel look windows and doors

Aluminium steel look windows and doors are suitable for both new openings and also designed as replacements for existing metal, plastic or timber windows.

Exterior doors and windows are the obvious location, but it’s patio doors of all types, where these doors are particularly effective. For ground or first floor doors, steel-look suits single or double doors, side access doors and even at the front of the house as a porch.

Windows offer the same multiple solutions as other materials, coming with all the required security, energy-efficiency, weather protection and configuration.

steel-look windows in a new home made by everglade windows trade

For new build openings, these windows come in several frame depth options, opening types, colours and glass specifications.

Of course, aluminium steel look windows and doors provide an alternative solution for the replacement of old metal windows. Many original metal window installations use single glazed, non-insulated products with basic locking. Whilst modern steel windows today do come with the insulation, security and benefits of modern windows, aluminium remains cheaper and in many cases better thermal performance than steel. Steel windows typically offer a C or B window energy rating – aluminium does offer better thermal performance depending on the brand and glass specification.

When replacing older windows, one of the benefits of aluminium is how well they work as new windows in stone surrounds or hardwood subframes. With narrow frames and different edge designs, aluminium steel look windows and doors work well within these often retained building features and, done well, give a similar look to the windows they replace.

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.

Like other products, old metal windows have names, depending on who made them and when. For example, most steel windows fitted during the 1960’s may often be the W20 type. Other versions include the Universal Range made even earlier or the SMW (Standard Metal Window) also widely used. Aluminium windows are generally intended to replicate these types of steel windows exactly.

steel look windows and doors and crittall style windows in modern grey colour in a new house
Steel-look windows made by Everglade Windows in Middlesex

Understanding steel look windows and doors vs steel-replacement

everglade banner

Doing research for this style of glazing often brings up different terminology. There are two distinct differences in the intent for this type of window. First of all, is those seeking new or replacement windows in this style. The second 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.

Read our buying guide for sliding doors in the steel-look

There’s additional information when buying bifolding doors in a steel-look.

There’s also more information about buying replacement or new aluminium windows in the steel style.

We’ve also put together information for interior doors or screens needing a fire-rating.

Steel look windows and doors products available

Depending on where you buy from, steel look windows and doors now come in many different product types.

Windows, screens, residential doors, single and double doors with sidelights. These are the best-designed steel-look products.

With folding sliding doors in this style, most products are basic bifolds with applied bars, although some suppliers provide more credible versions. For exterior sliding doors, there’s presently no dedicated system in aluminium. Here, you’ll get the best result using a thin sliding door product with applied slim bars.

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

For interior glazing, you’ll find either exterior doors with minor modifications fitted inside, or dedicated internal steel-look products including single doors, double doors, fixed screens and sliding doors.

steel look windows and doors in black fitted to a large surrey house
Steel look windows and doors by expert supplier Aspire Bifolds of Surrey.

Steel look windows and doors systems and providers

On each of the specific steel look pages we have listed some of the popular brands or providers. Some of the products arguably aren’t dedicated steel-systems, instead using basic aluminium windows. That said, they’re marketed as steel look and customers remain happy with the end result.

Other options to achieve the steel-look

steel replacement interior doors and windows

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.

There is also some useful information about the cost of steel replacement windows and factors affecting the price. 

Windows images are steel replacement windows manufactured by Everglade Windows of Middlesex.

Crittall® is a registered trademark of Crittall Windows Limited which is unconnected to the Aluminium Trade Supply Website.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
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