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Authentic Crittall Doors – Are They Worth The Investment?

If you’re weighing up genuine Crittall doors against “Crittall style doors” from other manufacturers, you’re asking one of the most common questions we hear at Lightfoot Windows. The honest answer, based on decades of experience, is clear: authentic Crittall products are worth the investment.

Imitation alternatives may copy the steel look, but they rarely match the quality, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of the real thing. Here’s the evidence behind that view.

Stunning heritage cottage transformation featuring a lightfilled extension with Crittall Corporate W20 steel screens and doors in RAL 7021 Black by Lightfoot Windows. Maximises light.

In a nutshell:

Authentic Crittall doors are made from genuine steel frames with the heritage and craftsmanship that define the brand.

“Crittall style” alternatives often use aluminium frames or lower-grade steel to mimic the look at a lower price.

Genuine Crittall products deliver better longevity, slimmer sightlines, and proven thermal performance.

For conservation areas, heritage homes, and high-end interior design, the real thing is the right choice.

What are Crittall doors?

Crittall steel doors and windows have shaped British architecture since the company was founded by Francis Henry Crittall. Their slim steel frames and large glass panels became synonymous with the Art Deco era, and they remain a popular choice for modern homes and traditional homes alike.

The distinctive design is instantly recognisable: clean lines, slim profiles, and large expanses of glass that allow plenty of natural light to flow through any living space. This timeless elegance suits everything from industrial style warehouses to contemporary settings.

As a Crittall Specialist Partner, Lightfoot Windows has been working with these products since 1935. With decades of experience, we supply and install authentic Crittall steel windows and doors across the UK and the Channel Islands.

External Steel door

The Crittall door range from Lightfoot Windows

We offer a range of genuine Crittall products to suit a variety of design styles:

Each style of door is available in iconic black steel and a range of finishes, with bespoke RAL colours to match your interior design vision.

Steel external doors open

Why genuine Crittall beats the alternatives

  1. Quality and craftsmanship

Genuine Crittall doors are crafted from high-grade, recycled steel and finished with a durable Duralife polyester powder coat.

The difference shows over time. Authentic steel doors carry the inherent strength of true steel frames, along with the provenance of a brand trusted for generations. With imitations, you simply don’t know what you’re getting.

  1. Slim sightlines and aesthetics

The slim sightlines of genuine Crittall steel are very difficult to replicate. The frames are slender yet strong, maximising light flow and creating that signature industrial look.

Aluminium “Crittall style” alternatives can look convincing from a distance, but the profiles are often bulkier and the proportions slightly off. For any project where authentic aesthetic appeal matters – particularly conservation areas and period properties – only the real thing delivers a faithful result.

  1. Thermal performance and energy efficiency

Authentic Crittall products are engineered with proven, documented performance. Understanding the detail matters:

Crittall Homelight windows achieve a Window Energy Rating (WER) of B and a Doorset Energy Rating (DSER) of up to A+, and are available with double glazing for improved energy efficiency.

Crittall W20 TE windows are also not thermally broken, but they achieve a thermal gradient equivalent to a thermally broken steel section while maintaining the classic appearance.

This is genuine, tested performance from a manufacturer you can trust. With cheaper alternatives, the figures are often less transparent. Our experts can guide you to the right Crittall product for your project.

  1. Longevity

Steel is exceptionally durable. With the right finish, authentic Crittall external doors offer long-lasting, low maintenance performance in both residential and commercial settings.

When you factor in lifespan, the investment makes clear financial sense. A cheaper alternative that needs replacing far sooner often costs more in the long run.

  1. Provenance and peace of mind

Buying authentic Crittall through an accredited Crittall Specialist Partner means your doors are backed by genuine craftsmanship, proper specification, and expert installation. As a FENSA-accredited and Made in Britain-certified installer, we stand behind every project. Imitations rarely come with the same assurance.

Internal doors in showroom

Frequently asked questions

Are Crittall style doors the same as genuine Crittall doors?

No. “Crittall style” refers to products that imitate the appearance. Authentic Crittall doors are made by Crittall and supplied by accredited partners like us.

Are genuine Crittall doors worth the extra cost?

Yes. You’re paying for genuine steel, true craftsmanship, slim sightlines, and proven longevity – qualities that imitations cannot match.

Can I get double glazing with Crittall doors?

Yes. Many Crittall products are available with double glazing for better energy efficiency.

Are Crittall doors suitable for fire safety?

Yes. Our Innervision® Fire Rated doors carry an FD30 rating and comply with BS476 Part 22.

Steel Door Lounge

Talk to the Crittall specialists: contact Lightfoot today

With years of experience and a long-running partnership with Crittall, our customer service team is ready to help you choose the right products for your project – whether that’s external french doors, internal doors, patio doors, or a full window scheme.

Get in touch today:

Want to get a quick estimate on new Crittall windows? Simply visit our ‘Get An Estimate’ page and fill out the required information, and one of our friendly experts will get back to you within 48 hours.

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