Crittall Patio Doors: Bringing the Outside in With Style
- September 2, 2026
- Crittall & Aluminium Window Guides
Redesigning your living space to connect directly with your garden is one of the most transformative home improvements you can undertake. For property owners searching for a design-led solution that bridges indoor rooms with outdoor terraces, Crittall patio doors offer an iconic industrial aesthetic combined with timeless architectural heritage.
At Lightfoot Windows, we specialise in offering an extensive range of authentic Crittall steel windows, doors, and internal screens that embody decades of heritage craftsmanship. Our products are designed for maximum thermal efficiency, providing excellent insulation and peace of mind while allowing natural light to flood your space.
Why choose genuine Crittall glazing?
Established in 1849, Crittall Windows stands as the benchmark for exceptional craftsmanship and architectural innovation. Featuring ultra-slim steel frames that support expansive glass units, genuine Crittall profiles flood living spaces with daylight while delivering a timeless, sleek profile.
Investing in authentic Crittall steel guarantees unmatched durability and long-term performance. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and engineered to last over 60 years, these frames suit historic period restorations and modern architectural designs alike.
Only products manufactured directly by Crittall Windows Ltd can legally bear the iconic Crittall name. While many suppliers offer aluminium or ‘Crittall-style’ alternatives, true Crittall profiles are crafted to original specifications trusted by UK architects and conservation officers for over a century.
The engineering magic of slim steel profiles and maximum glass
The defining characteristic of genuine Crittall steel framing lies in its incredible structural strength, which allows for profiles far thinner than timber or standard modern alternatives.
- Maximised glazing areas: Because steel possesses outstanding load-bearing capacity, frames can remain exceptionally narrow while supporting extensive large glass panels. This engineering feat maximises natural light penetration into your home.
- Visual clarity: The resulting clean lines eliminate visual clutter, creating an uninterrupted view of your garden landscape.
- Historical roots: Originating in the early 20th century, this iconic look borrows from classic industrial design, making any Crittall door a striking focal point for both period properties and contemporary developments.
Versatile configuration options for your project layout
Choosing how your new patio openings function depends on your spatial requirements, traffic flow, and lifestyle needs.
- Hinged and double variants: Classic side-hung configurations operate much like traditional french doors, swinging outward or inward to create a classic, symmetrical opening
- Internal applications: Beyond external doors, many homeowners use fixed screens or internal room dividers to zone open-plan areas, bringing the same industrial charm to interior doors and interior design schemes.
Modern thermal performance and energy efficiency
A common misconception is that historic metal designs sacrifice insulation for style. In reality, modern manufacturing standards ensure exceptional energy retention.
- High-performance glazing: Units are fitted with low e glass and gas-filled cavities, meeting strict building regulations for energy efficiency.
- Lowering costs: Improving the energy efficiency of your home directly helps reduce household energy bills, proving that choosing heritage style patio doors does not mean compromising on warmth.
Suitability for different property types and architectural styles
Whether you are renovating a Victorian terrace or building a glass-heavy contemporary extension, steel glazing adapts effortlessly. Take a look at our gallery to see just some of the projects we’ve undertaken recently.
- Period restorations: In conservation areas and older homes, authentic steel frames match original architectural blueprints far better than bulky uPVC or standard aluminium frames.
- Contemporary styling: For modern extensions, the striking black or dark grey grid patterns provide a sharp, high-contrast industrial look that defines modern living.
- Durability and upkeep: Treated with advanced protective coatings and weather-resistant finishes, these systems require low maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning to keep them looking pristine for decades.
Investing in robust steel doors represents a long-term commitment to quality. Whether you are replacing old new doors or embarking on a comprehensive home improvement project, professional installation guarantees structural integrity and lasting performance.
Expanding your layout: Tailoring steel glazing to your living space
When undertaking a major architectural renovation, looking at the wider floor layout helps determine how individual glazing choices influence day-to-day living. Integrating industrial steel elements requires careful thought regarding furniture positioning, room zoning, and how external landscaping interacts with your interior floor levels.
- Zoning open-plan layouts: Many modern extensions combine kitchen, dining, and seating areas into one expansive space. Using internal steel screens alongside external patio openings creates distinct zones without blocking ambient light. This design strategy allows you to separate cooking areas from quiet relaxation spaces while maintaining visual continuity throughout the ground floor.
- Threshold design and accessibility: Achieving a smooth transition between indoor flooring and outdoor patio stones requires precise planning during the groundwork stage. Low-profile weathered thresholds keep water out during heavy downpours while ensuring pushchairs, wheelchairs, and foot traffic move smoothly between the house and the garden terrace.
- Orientation and solar gain: South-facing or west-facing extensions experience significant sunlight exposure during peak summer months. Incorporating solar control glass coatings or integrated shading solutions ensures your indoor climate remains comfortable, preventing overheating while still flooding the room with brilliant daylight.
Crafting a custom aesthetic: Finishes, glazing bars, and hardware
One of the greatest advantages of opting for bespoke steel joinery is the incredible level of customisation available to match your exact architectural vision.
- Custom powder coating: While classic matt black remains the definitive choice for industrial aesthetics, modern finishing techniques allow steel frames to be powder-coated in almost any RAL colour. Whether you want deep charcoal grey, striking bronze, or crisp architectural white, the finish is baked on for superior resistance against scratching and fading.
- Authentic glazing bar configurations: The grid pattern created by horizontal and vertical glazing bars defines the Crittall look. You can choose heavy, multi-pane heritage layouts that respect Victorian and Edwardian building vernaculars, or opt for minimalist single-bar configurations that suit ultra-modern minimalist properties.
- Period-accurate ironmongery: Handles, latches, and hinges play a vital role in completing the authentic look. Selecting heavy-duty, traditional bronze or brushed steel hardware ensures tactile quality that matches the robust nature of the metal frames.
Maintenance and long-term preservation of steel joinery
Protecting your investment over decades requires simple yet effective care routines. Unlike timber, which requires sanding and repainting to prevent rot, or uPVC, which can degrade under prolonged UV exposure, steel frames offer exceptional structural stability with minimal intervention.
- Routine cleaning schedules: Washing down exterior frames and glass panels twice a year with warm, soapy water removes accumulated atmospheric pollutants, salt spray, and grime, protecting the protective powder coat from premature degradation.
- Hardware lubrication: Applying a light, acid-free oil to hinges, tracks, and locking mechanisms annually ensures smooth, effortless movement and prevents mechanical wear over time.
- Gasket and seal inspections: Periodically checking rubber weatherstripping and silicone seals ensures that your weather defences remain airtight and watertight through changing seasons.
Get in touch with Lightfoot Windows today
Ready to transform your living space with bespoke Crittall patio doors? Get in touch with our expert team today for honest advice and dedicated design support.
- Fill in our online contact form
- London Telephone: 0208 662 9090
- Milton Keynes Telephone: 01908 110 118