· 6 min read
Steel-Look vs Aluminium Framing: Pros and Cons
Compare genuine steel, steel-look and standard aluminium framing for glass partitions on sightlines, weight, cost, performance and lead time.
Key takeaways
- Genuine steel gives the slimmest profiles but is heavy and costly.
- Steel-look aluminium replicates the look with easier installation.
- Standard aluminium is the most economical option.
- All three can be finished in black.
Comparison
The look of a framed partition depends heavily on the material. Our black-framed and Crittall-style hub shows each in context.
| Factor | Genuine steel | Steel-look aluminium | Standard aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sightlines | Slimmest | Very slim | Slim to medium |
| Weight | Heavy | Light | Light |
| Cost | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
| Lead time | Longest | Medium | Shortest |
| Best for | Heritage projects | Most Crittall-style work | General framed partitions |
Which should you choose?
For most offices and homes, steel-look aluminium gives the best balance. Genuine steel suits listed buildings and heritage projects. Standard aluminium suits larger commercial runs. See Crittall-style partitions.
Questions
Can people tell the difference?
Up close, sometimes. From normal viewing distances, a good steel-look system is very convincing.