CHOOSING A MATERIAL
Steel, or steel-look aluminium?
Compare genuine steel with aluminium designed to resemble it, using the actual profile, performance and quotation.
3 minute read
A similar black grid can hide a different material and construction. Compare the complete specification rather than the photograph.
Start with the material, not the name
A product described as “steel look” may be aluminium styled to resemble steel joinery. Our MQ collection uses genuine steel profiles for windows, external doors and interior doors or screens.
Our collection and project planner focus on genuine steel windows and doors. If the frame material is central to your design or conservation brief, we make that requirement explicit in the specification.
Compare the details you will actually see and use
Ask for an elevation and relevant sections at the same size. A frame depth is not a visible sightline: inspect frame-to-sash junctions, meeting stiles, glazing bars and thresholds. Include the handle, opening movement and hardware in the comparison.
| Check | Ask both suppliers for |
|---|---|
| Material | Exact manufacturer, system and frame material |
| Appearance | Sections, sightlines, glazing-bar construction and finish sample |
| Thermal performance | Complete window or door value for the proposed configuration |
| Function | Opening direction, clear opening, threshold and supported sash sizes |
| Price | The same sizes, glass, finish, delivery and installation scope |
Do not assume either material guarantees warmth
Both materials are used in different profile constructions. Our Unico systems have a thermal break; Presto and the internal systems do not. We assess the complete frame and glazing specification to confirm the required thermal performance.
We compare the whole assembly, its dimensions and its intended location. That gives you a useful performance comparison between particular steel and aluminium specifications.
Make the choice against your project brief
Choose genuine steel when the specified material, profile design and fabrication are central to the project. If you are open to aluminium, obtain a separate, like-for-like quotation before deciding.
For a listed building or a conservation area, confirm the permission requirements before committing to a material substitution. A heritage appearance is not an approval.