Questions About Heritage External French Doors

What are Heritage style doors?

Heritage style doors recreate the iconic industrial steel-look first popularised by the Crittall® brand in the late 19th century. With their slim black frames and grid-like glazing bars, they echo the designs found in early 20th-century commercial and public buildings.

Originally crafted from steel to support large glass panels, these doors were strong but heavy, expensive, and prone to rust. Today, we replicate the look using lightweight, durable, low-maintenance aluminium frames. Aluminium offers the same strength and sleek appearance as steel but is more affordable and easier to handle.

This industrial-inspired design works beautifully for many patio door styles—bifold, sliding, or French double doors. Heritage style French doors, in particular, feature expansive glazing for maximum natural light, slim frames for an airy feel, and a striking dark finish that creates a bold focal point both inside and out.

Why are they called Heritage style doors?

The name comes from their origins in 1880s England, where they were fitted in prestigious buildings such as the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Their industrial elegance and practical design have kept them in demand for over a century.

While the style has evolved, it remains a favourite for art deco, period, and contemporary homes worldwide.

What era do Heritage style doors belong to?

Though first introduced in the 1880s, they became most iconic during the art deco period of the 1920s–30s, when steel and concrete defined modernist architecture.

Today, with double glazing and thermally broken aluminium frames, these French doors combine vintage style with modern efficiency—keeping homes warm while letting in abundant light. Their lightweight build also makes them ideal for easy operation, especially for those who find heavy steel doors difficult to use.

Are steel look patio doors double glazed?

Yes. All of our steel-look aluminium French doors feature low-E toughened double glazing as standard. This ensures excellent energy efficiency—keeping warmth in, reducing heat loss, and maintaining comfort year-round.

Are steel look doors energy efficient?

They can be—and ours are. Older aluminium frames had a reputation for poor insulation, but our thermally broken aluminium frames and low-E double glazing deliver a superior thermal performance of 1.5 W/m²K, exceeding UK Building Regulation standards.

The thermal break—an insulating barrier inside the frame—prevents heat from escaping and cold from entering, giving you the classic look of steel with the comfort of modern technology.

What are the benefits of steel look aluminium doors?

• Cost-effective – Cheaper to manufacture and purchase than steel.

• Durable – Aluminium frames can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance.

• Low-maintenance – No warping, rotting, or rusting, and no need for regular painting.

• Stylish – Dark, slim frames stay looking cleaner for longer and are easy to wipe down.

How much do steel look patio doors cost?

Our Rhino Aluminium Heritage range starts at just under £1,650 (including frames, handles, and locks, plus free UK mainland delivery). Prices vary with size and optional extras such as sidelights. While sidelights can raise the cost, these doors can also increase your home’s value thanks to their style and quality.

Are Heritage style doors secure?

Yes. They feature:

• Multi-point locking systems for maximum security.

• 4mm toughened safety glass—up to 5× stronger than standard glass.

• Internally beaded glazing to prevent glass removal from outside.

With robust aluminium frames and modern locking technology, Heritage style doors are every bit as secure—if not more so—than other patio door options.