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Steel-framed doors and windows have become a very sought-after feature for anyone trying to add character to a home renovation. It’s obvious why, as the look works across different property types, such as Victorian terraces getting more modern updates, all the way up to barn conversions in need of an industrial design as they convert into offices. It’s a design choice that photographs brilliantly, looks great, and functions well in real life too, which explains why demand has shot up over the past decade.
The Steel Door Company is experienced in manufacturing and fitting these products across the UK. As such, they’ve developed a strong niche working with homeowners who want the Crittall aesthetic without necessarily buying from the original manufacturer. Given how many rogue outfits have appeared trying to cash in on the trend, knowing which suppliers you can rely on for quality is very important.
The issue is working out whether their pricing is going to scale with their craftsmanship, or if you’re paying over the odds for something that looks identical to cheaper materials being offered elsewhere. Here’s an overview of what The Steel Door Company offers to help homeowners decide if they’re the right choice for their project.
What’s on offer
The Steel Door Company designs, manufactures, and installs custom steel doors, windows, and partitions throughout the UK. Everything gets made to your measurements because no two properties are the same – especially older homes where nothing’s quite square or level.
Their product lineup includes:
- Internal doors and partitions for dividing living spaces
- External doors including French doors and sliding systems
- Fixed and opening windows
- Shower enclosures with steel frames
- Entire glazed walls for creating open-plan areas
The company works with hot-rolled steel for the frames, which gives a more authentic finish compared to cheaper materials. Powder coating can also offer a number of colours, though black dominates as it’s become the definitive look people expect and you can’t go wrong with it.
The manufacturing happens in the UK The Steel Door Company’s facilities, and from there, personal installation teams handle the fitting directly. The whole process runs through one company, from initial talk to final completion. Let’s dig into how well this works:
The strengths
- Everything gets made specifically for your property – Pre-fitted sizing doesn’t work for most homes, especially period buildings. Custom fabrication is offered here, meaning the finished product fits properly.
- They know how to replicate the Crittall style accurately – This matters greatly, because getting the proportions wrong is common for cheaper alternatives. For example, the frame profiles need to be slim but strong, with the glazing bars positioned correctly, in order to improve the area instead of impeding on it.
- UK-based manufacturing speeds things up – Lead times still run to several weeks because custom metalwork can’t be rushed, but it’s faster than importing from European suppliers. Having fabrication done within the country also makes resolving any issues much easier.
- Installation quality is great – Using their own fitting teams means the planning process doesn’t get split between different companies. That means if something needs adjusting during installation, the people doing the work understand how the product was made because they’re part of the same outfit.
- Experience with listed buildings and planning constraints – if you’re renovating a period property with heritage protections, they understand how to navigate the restrictions and work within what’s permitted. That knowledge saves homeowners considerable hassle during what’s already a complicated process.
The weaknesses
- Pricing sits at the upper end of the market – As is natural, bespoke steel fabrication costs a fair amount more than standard aluminium windows or doors. The quality justifies the cost if you care about authenticity and longevity, but budget-conscious homeowners might struggle to afford them.
- You have to wait for turnaround – It makes sense that work like this would take a while to get right, especially when everything is custom-made and installed personally. Eight to twelve weeks is typical, but it could be longer during peak periods. Anyone working to tight completion deadlines needs to plan for this.
- Geographic coverage focuses on certain areas – Their main market is London and the South East, though they’ll travel for any good projects. Homeowners in the North or Scotland might find a slightly higher price due to the travel costs.
Who benefits most
Homeowners who are renovating older and listed properties, or converting industrial spaces, and who want steel framing that looks authentic, will likely prefer this service compared to others. In addition, anyone who cares about getting the aesthetic details right and would notice if the proportions or profiles were wrong will be happy with the in-house installation team.
If you’re not particularly bothered about historical accuracy and just want black-framed glazing, cheaper options might be good enough. However, remember that it’s best not to cost-cut for the sake of it.
Homeowners with relatively reasonable budgets who view steel doors and windows as a long-term investment in their property will be suited to The Steel Door Company products, as these aren’t disposable installations you’ll replace in ten years.
Final thoughts
The Steel Door Company proves and prides itself on well-made steel doors and windows that give you the Crittall aesthetic properly. Their custom manufacturing handles the challenges of fitting modern products into older properties, and the installation quality backs up what they promise.
Whether they’re the best choice depends on what you prefer and your budget. Some homeowners will prefer buying directly from Crittall despite higher costs and longer waits because of the heritage connection. Many have found the pragmatic balance The Steel Door Company offers between quality, lead time, and price to be an attractive option.
Catherine
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