Crittall-Style Doors: Affordable Alternatives That Look Identical

The Crittall look — those distinctive slim black steel frames with multiple panes — has become one of the most requested door and window styles in UK home design. From kitchen extensions to period property renovations, the industrial-heritage aesthetic appears in virtually every interior design magazine and Instagram feed. But genuine Crittall steel windows and doors come with a price tag that puts them out of reach for many homeowners.

The good news is that modern aluminium alternatives can deliver an almost identical appearance at a fraction of the cost, with better thermal performance and lower maintenance. This guide explains the options, the savings and the trade-offs.

What Are Genuine Crittall Windows and Doors?

Crittall is a specific brand — Crittall Windows Ltd — that has manufactured steel-framed windows and doors since 1849. Their products are genuine hot-rolled steel with slim profiles and a distinctive industrial aesthetic. They are the original, and they remain the benchmark for quality in this style.

However, Crittall products are expensive. A pair of genuine Crittall steel French doors typically costs £8,000-£15,000 fully installed, depending on size and configuration. A full set of Crittall windows for a kitchen extension can easily exceed £25,000-£40,000.

The high cost reflects the material (steel), the manufacturing process (largely handmade), the brand premium, and the specialist installation required. For heritage projects and Grade II listed buildings where authenticity is paramount, genuine Crittall may be the only acceptable option. For everyone else, the alternatives are compelling.

Aluminium Crittall-Style Alternatives

Modern aluminium systems can replicate the Crittall look with remarkable accuracy. The key design elements that define the style are:

• Slim sightlines — narrow frame profiles that mimic steel
• Black finish — typically matt black (RAL 9005) or textured black
• Glazing bars — slender horizontal and vertical bars dividing the glass into multiple panes
• Square or rectangular pane proportions — the grid pattern that defines the industrial look

Aluminium alternatives achieve all of these using thermally broken profiles with applied or integral glazing bars. From a normal viewing distance, the difference between aluminium and steel is virtually undetectable.

Cortizo COR Vision — Our Recommended Alternative

The Cortizo COR Vision system in matt black with applied glazing bars is our top recommendation for Crittall-style installations. The sightlines are as narrow as 36mm — closer to genuine steel proportions than any other aluminium system.

Why Cortizo works for the Crittall look: - Ultra-slim 36mm sightlines approach genuine steel proportions - Matt black powder coating matches the authentic finish - Slim aluminium glazing bars create the multi-pane grid - Thermally broken profile delivers U-values of 1.3 W/m2K (far superior to steel's 5.0+ W/m2K) - PAS 24 security certification as standard

Schuco Heritage Systems

Schuco offers dedicated heritage profile systems designed to replicate traditional steel window proportions. These are specified on conservation-area projects where planning officers require a close match to original steelwork.

Key features: - Slim sightlines designed to match period steel windows - Available with genuine through-frame glazing bars - Full RAL colour range including heritage blacks and greys - Excellent acoustic performance for period properties near roads

Cost Comparison: Genuine Crittall vs Alternatives

Here is what you can expect to pay for equivalent installations in 2026:

French Doors (Pair, 1.8m x 2.1m) - **Genuine Crittall steel:** £8,000-£15,000 - **Cortizo aluminium (Crittall style):** £3,500-£5,500 - **Budget aluminium (Crittall style):** £2,500-£4,000 - **Saving:** 40-65%

Kitchen Extension Windows (4 large fixed panes + 2 opening) - **Genuine Crittall steel:** £15,000-£25,000 - **Cortizo aluminium (Crittall style):** £6,000-£10,000 - **Saving:** 50-60%

Internal Glazed Screen with Door (3m wide) - **Genuine Crittall steel:** £5,000-£8,000 - **Aluminium equivalent:** £2,000-£4,000 - **Saving:** 40-55%

Full Extension Glazing Package (bifolds + fixed panes + French doors) - **Genuine Crittall steel:** £30,000-£50,000+ - **Cortizo aluminium (Crittall style):** £12,000-£20,000 - **Saving:** 50-60%

Performance Comparison

The aluminium alternatives do not just match Crittall on appearance — they significantly outperform genuine steel in several important areas:

Thermal Performance - **Genuine Crittall steel:** U-value approximately **4.0-5.5 W/m2K** (single glazing) or **2.5-3.5 W/m2K** (double glazed steel) - **Aluminium alternative:** U-value approximately **1.2-1.4 W/m2K** (standard double glazing)

This is a transformative difference. Steel is an excellent conductor of heat, which makes genuine Crittall frames extremely cold in winter. Condensation on steel frames is common and unavoidable. Thermally broken aluminium eliminates this problem entirely.

Maintenance - **Steel:** Requires repainting every 5-8 years to prevent rust. Steel frames in coastal or exposed locations need more frequent attention - **Aluminium:** Powder-coated finish requires no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. The finish will not rust, peel, fade or discolour

Security - **Steel:** Strong material but traditional steel windows often have simple latch mechanisms - **Aluminium:** PAS 24 certified with multi-point locking systems as standard

Building Regulations Genuine single-glazed Crittall windows do not meet current Building Regulations for thermal performance. Installing them as replacements requires special dispensation or compensatory measures elsewhere in the building. Aluminium alternatives meet Part L requirements comfortably.

Where Genuine Crittall Is Still the Right Choice

There are legitimate reasons to choose authentic Crittall steel:

• Listed buildings where planning conditions require matching the original material
• Conservation areas with strict Article 4 directions specifying steel
• Heritage restoration projects where authenticity is non-negotiable
• Ultra-premium properties where the brand cachet and material authenticity justify the cost

In all other situations — which covers the vast majority of UK residential projects — aluminium alternatives deliver a better product at a significantly lower price.

Internal Crittall-Style Screens and Partitions

One of the most popular applications of the Crittall look is internal glazed screens — room dividers, kitchen-to-hallway partitions and shower screens. Because these are internal, thermal performance is irrelevant, which opens up additional options:

• Aluminium framed screens: £800-£2,000 per linear metre installed
• Steel-effect aluminium partitions: £1,200-£2,500 per linear metre
• With integrated door: Add £600-£1,200

These internal screens transform open-plan spaces by adding visual separation while maintaining light flow. They are particularly effective between kitchens and hallways, creating the industrial-loft aesthetic that drives the Crittall trend.

Getting the Right Look

The details matter when specifying Crittall-style aluminium doors and windows:

• Colour: Specify matt black (RAL 9005) for the most authentic look. Satin or textured finishes are more convincing than high-gloss
• Glazing bars: Choose slim aluminium bars (6-10mm wide) rather than Georgian bar alternatives. Through-frame bars look more authentic than surface-applied options
• Pane proportions: The classic Crittall grid uses roughly square or 2:3 ratio panes. Avoid very wide or very narrow rectangles
• Hardware: Choose simple, minimal handles in black or chrome. Ornate hardware breaks the industrial aesthetic
• Threshold: Low or flush thresholds maintain the clean lines of the design

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell the difference between Crittall and aluminium alternatives?

From a normal viewing distance of 2-3 metres, most people cannot distinguish between a well-specified aluminium Crittall-style door and a genuine steel one. The differences are in the material feel when touched and very subtle profile variations. At 36mm sightlines, Cortizo aluminium is remarkably close to genuine steel proportions.

Are Crittall-style aluminium doors as strong as steel?

For residential applications, aluminium Crittall-style doors are more than strong enough. They achieve PAS 24 security certification and use multi-point locking systems. Genuine steel is a stronger material per unit area, but aluminium profiles are engineered to provide equivalent structural performance at a lower weight.

Do Crittall-style doors meet Building Regulations?

Aluminium Crittall-style doors with thermally broken profiles and double glazing meet Building Regulations Part L comfortably. Genuine single-glazed Crittall steel windows typically do not, and require special dispensation or compensatory measures. This is one of the strongest practical arguments for choosing aluminium.

How much do Crittall-style bifold doors cost?

Crittall-style aluminium bifold doors with glazing bars in matt black typically cost £5,000-£8,000 for a 3-panel set fully installed. This is significantly less than genuine steel and delivers better thermal performance and security.

Can I use Crittall-style doors in a conservation area?

It depends on your local authority's requirements. Many conservation officers accept high-quality aluminium alternatives, particularly when the visual match is close and the thermal performance is superior. Some strict conservation areas with Article 4 directions may require genuine steel. Always check with your planning officer before committing.