Are there cheaper substitutes for steel doors?
Aluminium Crittall door replicas do exist, and while they are not of the same quality, they are much cheaper and have a shorter lead time. You can try them, but the effect will not be fantastic. To achieve a dazzling effect, whether in classic doors or sliding loft doors, the best option is to create a steel glazing. It is important that the quality of workmanship and grinding of individual elements is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. Only then can we be sure that the whole thing will please our eyes for many years.
What is the loft style that some call the Crittall style?
Why do we call Loft doors Crittall doors? The loft-style (or Crittall Style) is currently very popular among interior designers. But what is it and where did it come from? What does the word Crittall actually mean? The Crittall style refers to steel or aluminium frames (muntins) with glass panels, commonly known as loft doors.
The name comes from the Crittall family, who were the first to produce this type of industrial glazing. Despite the fact that the family business ended in 1974, the name became so widely used that it has survived to this day.
What interiors should loft glazing be used for?
There are many ways to use black mullion glass doors, the most popular being the classic room-dividing doors at homes. The last few years have seen a boom in the use of industrial glazing, which is favoured by the fact that such doors perfectly let light through. Entire loft walls are created, usually separating the vestibule, part of the room, kitchen or bathroom. In the latter case, loft shower cabins are very popular.
Why are loft doors so expensive?
Many people think that loft doors are expensive, but this is not entirely true. It all depends on the components that make up the glazing, the quality offered by the steel doors manufacturer, and the material used during the production.
The price- to quality ratio is the same as with other products on the market – "something for something". In order to make it cheaper, you can produce aluminium frames instead of steel muntins, but it will have an impact on the aesthetics and the final effect. Aluminium frames are a bit cheaper, but they do not look as noble as steel, almost giving the impression of being made of plastic. Glazing made of cold-rolled steel will be more expensive, but the final result will be much better.
The price of loft doors starts from approximately EUR 300 per sq m, which means you can get basic loft doors for around EUR 700 per piece. Considering the fact that this type of door is made individually and it is a "manual work" of welders and grinders, the price does not seem so high. Glass loft doors may seem delicate at first glance, but are actually very durable. All glazing made of steel is welded together from individual elements, which makes it difficult to damage the glazing and carrying out a burglary, especially when the doors are equipped with an anti-burglary lock.
Are loft doors durable?
Loft steel doors that are properly maintained and not exposed to harmful factors can last for decades, changing the look of modern and historic interiors. Unfortunately, this applies mainly to those doors that are welded and powder-coated. Folding loft doors (not welded) may corrode over time, which will affect the visual effect and may cause the muntins and glass to crack. To avoid the above problems, we recommend ordering loft glazing only from specialised suppliers and manufacturers of industrial glazing.