- 2 September 2026|
- News|
If you’re planning a house extension, renovation, or new build, you’ve probably searched for “Crittall windows cost” and found a confusing mix of answers. That’s because there isn’t a single figure that applies to every project.
Steel windows are a genuine investment. But understanding what drives the price helps you budget properly and avoid surprises further down the line.
This guide gives you a full breakdown of what affects the cost of Crittall windows, how new installations compare to restoration work, and how to get an accurate quote for your specific project.
What are Crittall windows?
Crittall windows are the original steel-framed windows, first produced in the 1880s and synonymous with the industrial look ever since. Their slim sightlines and narrow glazing bars allow far more glass and far less frame than timber or uPVC alternatives, which is why architects and designers still specify them nearly 150 years later.
Metwin is an approved Crittall specialist partner, and we supply, install, restore and maintain genuine Crittall products across the UK. We’re also the only official supplier of Crittall parts in the country.
The range of Crittall windows
Not all Crittall windows are the same, and the range you choose has a direct impact on the overall price. Here’s a brief lowdown on the main options:
- Corporate W20 – The original, classic Crittall profile with 20mm sightlines. This is the heritage product, best suited to conservation projects where the authentic original look matters most. Thermal performance is basic compared with the other ranges.
- W20 TE (Thermally Efficient) – The same slim W20 aesthetic, re-engineered with dual weather seals and compatibility with double glazing up to 24mm. It achieves a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K and complies with Approved Document L. This is a popular choice for extensions and renovations of period properties.
- Homelight – Designed specifically for residential replacement and refurbishment. It comes with double weatherstripping, double glazing, hot-dip galvanising and multipoint locking as standard. Homelight + TE offers further upgrades in security and thermal performance (equivalent to the W20 TE).
Each range has a different specification, and that’s before you factor in size, configuration, or finish. This is why it’s difficult to quote an average cost of steel windows without knowing more about your project. Knowing the factors that affect steel window prices is essential for planning your project.
Factors that influence Crittall window costs
Size and number of windows
The bigger the window, and the more windows you need, the higher the total price. A single new opening in a home extension will cost far less than a full house of steel windows.
Configuration and style of window
Crittall windows come in a huge range of configurations – fixed lights, internal windows and screens, French doors, and large steel bay window costs will all differ from a simple single-pane design. The types of window can change the Crittall windows cost as the more opening elements and glazing bars in your design, the more complex (and costly) the manufacturing process. Bespoke Crittall windows (depending the specification) may cost more than standard casement windows.
Glazing type
Single glazing is the main budget alternative, but most homeowners now choose double glazing for improved insulation. Options like solar control glazing or higher security glass will add to the total cost, but bring real benefits in comfort and safety.
Finish
Black steel windows are the genuine industrial look most people associate with Crittall, but a range of finishes and powder coatings are available. Your chosen finish affects both manufacturing cost and long-term maintenance requirements.
Window fitting costs
Installation isn’t a job for a general glazier. You need a specialist steel window fitter who understands the intricacies of genuine steel windows. Fitting costs vary depending on whether it’s a straightforward replacement or a completely new opening, which may involve extra work such as structural alterations.
New openings vs replacements
Creating a new opening – for a house extension or new bathroom, for example – involves extra cost compared with a straightforward like-for-like replacement, due to the additional building work required.
Are steel windows more expensive than other window materials?
This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear. Yes, steel windows typically sit at the higher end of the scale compared with cheaper alternatives like uPVC. But it’s not a fair comparison.
Genuine steel windows offer:
- Slimmer profiles and more glass area than aluminium windows or uPVC
- Longer lifespan, particularly with proper maintenance
- A style of window that suits period and heritage properties, where cheaper alternatives simply look wrong
When you compare the total cost of your steel windows against their lifespan and the value they add to a property, the price tag looks very different. Many original Crittall windows from the early-to-mid 20th century are still in service today – that’s a track record few window materials can match.
New windows vs restoration: which costs more?
This depends entirely on the condition of your existing windows. Restoration – including water removal from frames, rust treatment, and re-galvanising – can sometimes be a cost-effective alternative to full replacement, particularly for listed buildings where new steel windows may not be permitted.
However, if your existing frames are badly corroded or beyond repair, replacement may end up being less money in the long run than repeated maintenance.
Why choose genuine Crittall steel?
As tempting as it may be to swap Crittall steel windows for a lookalike product, only by choosing the real thing can you get the genuine beauty, longevity and strength of Crittall steel.
Steel window makers since 1884, Crittall offers a range that provides beautiful slim profiles, excellent thermal efficiency and robust security. The overall cost of these windows may be higher initially compared to aluminium, however they offer exceptional longevity, strength and the classic look of steel windows that is hard to beat.
Getting an accurate quote
Because there are so many variables, we’d always recommend a proper survey rather than relying on generic average steel window costs found online. A specialist like Metwin can assess:
- Your existing window materials and condition (if restoring)
- The design of your windows and number of openings required
- Your preferred range, glazing and finish
- Site access and any extra work needed for fitting
In a nutshell
- Crittall window costs depend on size, configuration, glazing, finish and fitting complexity
- The W20, W20 TE, Homelight and Homelight + TE ranges all have different specifications and price points
- Steel windows cost more upfront than cheaper alternatives but offer far greater longevity
- Restoration can be more economical than replacement, depending on window condition
- Always get a proper survey for an accurate quote – avoid relying on generic averages
Get your free quote: contact Metwin today
Metwin should be your first port of call for genuine Crittall windows and doors, whether you’re planning a full house of steel windows or a single new opening.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote:
- Online: Fill in our contact form
- Call: 0208 523 2081
- Email: enquiries@metwin.co.uk
