Key Takeaway
Crittall style doors have become one of the most sought-after features in modern home extensions. Discover why these iconic steel-framed glazing systems add both character and value to your property.
What Are Crittall Style Doors?
Crittall style doors are characterised by their slim steel frames and distinctive grid pattern of glazing bars. Originally developed by the Crittall company in the 1880s for industrial buildings, these elegant steel-framed windows and doors have experienced a remarkable renaissance in residential architecture.
Today, the term "Crittall style" encompasses both authentic Crittall products and the many alternatives that replicate this iconic aesthetic. Whether you choose genuine Crittall or a high-quality alternative, these doors offer a timeless look that works beautifully with both period properties and contemporary extensions.
Why Homeowners Love Crittall Style Doors
The popularity of Crittall style doors in home extensions comes down to several compelling advantages:
- Slim sightlines: Steel is significantly stronger than aluminium or timber, allowing for much thinner frames. This means more glass and more natural light flooding into your extension.
- Industrial elegance: The distinctive black steel frames create a striking architectural statement that adds character to any home.
- Seamless indoor-outdoor living: Large glazed openings blur the boundary between your extension and garden, making spaces feel larger and more connected.
- Added property value: Estate agents consistently report that Crittall style glazing is a desirable feature that attracts premium buyers.
- Versatility: These doors complement everything from Victorian terraces to ultra-modern new builds.
Crittall Style Options for Your Extension
When planning Crittall style glazing for your extension, you have several configuration options:
French Doors
Classic double doors that open outwards or inwards. Perfect for creating a traditional entrance to your garden while maintaining the industrial aesthetic. Often combined with fixed side panels and overhead glazing for maximum impact.
Pivot Doors
A dramatic contemporary option where the door pivots on a central axis rather than hinges. Pivot doors make a bold architectural statement and work particularly well in modern extensions with high ceilings.
Sliding Doors
For wider openings, Crittall style sliding systems offer the aesthetic benefits with practical space-saving operation. Multiple panels can slide and stack to create expansive openings.
Fixed Screens and Partitions
Beyond external doors, Crittall style glazing works beautifully as internal partitions - separating a kitchen from a utility room, for example, while maintaining visual connection and light flow.
Cost Considerations
Crittall style doors represent a premium choice, and costs vary significantly depending on your chosen approach:
- Genuine Crittall: Authentic Crittall doors are handcrafted in the UK and represent the highest quality option. Expect to pay £1,500-£2,500 per square metre installed.
- Steel alternatives: Several manufacturers produce high-quality steel-framed alternatives at more accessible price points, typically £800-£1,500 per square metre.
- Aluminium alternatives: Aluminium frames with a Crittall-style appearance offer the look at lower cost, around £500-£1,000 per square metre, though sightlines will be slightly thicker.
For a typical extension with 6-8 square metres of Crittall style glazing, budget £6,000-£15,000 depending on specification and supplier.
Thermal Performance and Building Regulations
A common concern with steel-framed glazing is thermal performance. Modern Crittall style doors address this through:
- Thermally broken frames: A polyamide barrier within the steel frame prevents cold bridging, dramatically improving U-values.
- Double or triple glazing: Combined with high-performance glass units, modern Crittall style doors easily meet Building Regulations requirements.
- Weather sealing: Contemporary systems include sophisticated gaskets and seals for excellent weather resistance.
When specified correctly, Crittall style doors achieve U-values of 1.5 W/m²K or better, meeting the requirements for new extensions under current Building Regulations.
Planning and Design Considerations
If you're considering Crittall style doors for your extension, here are key points to discuss with your designer:
- Orientation: Large glazed openings facing south or west will maximise natural light but may require consideration of solar gain and potential overheating.
- Structural requirements: Wide openings need substantial steel beams above. Your designer will calculate the structural requirements based on your specific layout.
- Floor levels: Consider whether you want a flush threshold (popular for seamless indoor-outdoor flow) or a small step. Flush thresholds require careful detailing for drainage.
- Grid pattern: The spacing and arrangement of glazing bars significantly affects the final appearance. Consider how the grid will relate to your extension's proportions.
- Colour options: While classic black remains most popular, Crittall style doors are available in various RAL colours to suit your design.
Installation and Lead Times
Crittall style doors are precision products with longer lead times than standard glazing:
- Genuine Crittall: 12-16 weeks from order to delivery
- Steel alternatives: 8-12 weeks typically
- Aluminium alternatives: 4-8 weeks
Early specification is essential. We recommend finalising your glazing choices before construction begins to avoid delays.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of the significant advantages of steel-framed glazing is its exceptional durability:
- Lifespan: Quality steel frames can last 50+ years with proper maintenance
- Maintenance: Annual cleaning and occasional touch-up of paintwork is typically all that's required
- Warranty: Most quality manufacturers offer 10-25 year guarantees
Is Crittall Style Right for Your Extension?
Crittall style doors work particularly well in these scenarios:
- Period properties where the industrial aesthetic complements existing character features
- Contemporary extensions where clean lines and maximum glazing are priorities
- Kitchen-diners where the connection to outdoor entertaining space is important
- Extensions with high ceilings that can accommodate tall glazed panels
If you're planning an extension and considering Crittall style glazing, our design team can advise on the best approach for your property. We work with several trusted suppliers and can help you balance aesthetic ambitions with practical budget considerations.
Next Steps
Ready to explore Crittall style doors for your extension project? Book a complimentary consultation with Hampshire Build to discuss your ideas. We'll assess your property, understand your vision, and explain how stunning steel-framed glazing could transform your home.
