There are no alternatives to Crittall® doors in aluminium because this brand of doors is unique. Crittall® is a registered trademark for authentic steel products. There is no aluminium product that replicates a genuine Crittall® product. Steel is steel, and aluminium is aluminium.
Steel doors and windows have inspired today’s on-trend style, and when you want the absolute best steel product on the market, it’s undoubtedly Crittall. If you see phrases like “Crittall style” or “Crittall look,” they are misleading.
This article focuses on steel systems in general rather than any specific brand, and we explain why Aluco offers the best alternative if you don’t want, or can’t have, steel doors or windows.
Why are there alternatives to Crittall doors?
Many property owners want genuine steel doors for their clean, minimal appearance. You often see these in modern homes, offices and commercial spaces. They offer narrow sightlines and a crisp, industrial look. Yet, there are a number of reasons why you might have to consider alternatives to steel doors.
Much higher cost.
Steel windows and doors are welded and manufactured entirely differently from aluminium doors, which have a mechanical corner construction. These increased manufacturing costs and processes, including specialist treatment and coating of steel extrusions, increase the price. This can be a significant factor if you are planning a large project.
Much longer delivery times
Aluminium steel-look windows and doors typically take around 8 weeks from order to installation. Steel windows and doors, depending on the brand and where they’re made, can take up to 20 weeks or more. This longer lead time doesn’t always work for you if your project is on a tight schedule; waiting for a steel door might cause delays.
Harder to meet the lowest U-Values.
Certain projects demand the lowest possible U-values. And whilst a quality steel system will meet Building Regulations, many steel brands can struggle to get to even lower U-values.
The Aluco alternative to Crittall doors and other brands.
We have never claimed our products to have a Crittall look. However, with Aluco as the original and best comprehensive steel look collection in aluminium, and first to market, our products take inspiration from steel windows and doors of all types to give you an outstanding aluminium alternative.
At Aluco, we specialise in aluminium systems that offer several advantages if you are unable to go with a steel door. Our approach is straightforward. We offer an alternative that delivers a similar aesthetic while addressing some of the practical issues that come with steel.
Consider these benefits of aluminium doors from Aluco:
Lower Cost
Aluminium systems generally come at a lower price point. They provide a similar visual style with slim profiles and narrow glazing bars. A comparable design without the higher cost of steel, can be beneficial for keeping your project costs on track.
Faster lead times
The production of aluminium doors is less time-consuming. This allows us to deliver your order quicker than you might expect from steel systems. Shorter lead times can be crucial if you have strict project deadlines. Aluco doors are an excellent alternative to Crittall® and steel doors. We hand-finish and inspect all our products.
The slimmest sightlines in aluminium
Our aluminium doors have been engineered to offer sightlines that closely match those of most steel systems. The 20mm ultra-slim glazing bars give the appearance of a genuine metal-framed door without compromising on practicality. Here is more information about how Aluco doors compare with steel doors.
Floating lock design
Aluco is the only aluminium system currently offering a floating lock design. This feature, commonly found only on steel doors, maintains a clean look and gives a gorgeous look of the lock and handle floating into the glass line.
Strong thermal Performance
Our Elite Collection is designed with high-performance glazing options. With triple glazing, you can achieve U-values as low as 1.0. For double glazing, U-values of approximately 1.4 are attainable. This helps you meet energy efficiency standards without sacrificing style.
Steel-look bifolding doors
Aluminium systems can offer additional product options that are not available in steel. For example, our steel-look bifolding doors provide versatility in design. They allow you to open up entire spaces without compromising the appearance of this distinctive look.
Where Steel doors are better than aluminium
Steel doors give you the real steel product in a choice of styles and designs. And there are many projects and situations where only steel can be used. These include:
- Fire-rated doors and screens, as aluminium has no fire rating. Where you need fire protection, only steel is suitable.
- Complex shapes and curves are easier to do in steel, especially when you need curved door sashes.
- Oversized doors and windows are better made of steel as the material goes to bigger sizes and tolerances than aluminium.
Genuine steel is the original product and will be best if you need the specific material characteristics and advantages that only steel can provide. Heritage projects and listed buildings might require authentic steel to comply with planning regulations. In large commercial applications, where maximum rigidity is essential, steel can be the better choice. Some projects insist on the feel and presence of actual metal, and for those, steel remains unmatched.
You should consider your priorities when deciding between steel and aluminium. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your budget fixed, or do you have room for the extra cost of steel?
- Do you have a strict project timeline that demands faster delivery?
- Are you required to meet specific U-value targets for energy efficiency?
- Does your project demand the unique properties of genuine steel?
The answers to these questions will help guide your decision. If you are looking for a solution that delivers a similar appearance to steel while being more cost-effective and quicker to install, aluminium may be the right choice. Our aluminium systems are designed to replicate the desired look without pretending to be the genuine steel product that is trademarked.
At Aluco, we offer expert guidance on selecting the right door system for your project. Our team can help you assess your needs and decide whether aluminium is a suitable alternative. We invite you to contact us for further information or to arrange a consultation. You deserve a door solution that fits your project requirements while balancing cost, performance and design. Contact us for more information and advice.
Crittall® is a registered trademark of Crittall Windows Limited and is unconnected to Aluco Aluminium Ltd.
