New shopfronts

Steel shop fronts

A steel shop front is a frontage framed in slim steel sections, in mild or stainless steel, with glazed panels and steel-framed doors. The strength of the material allows narrow sightlines across large spans, and the fine grid of bars gives a crisp, industrial look.

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When is this the right choice?

Steel suits design-led shops, restaurants, showrooms and conversions of industrial buildings, where the grid of slim bars is part of the look. It also suits sites that need extra strength, such as tall glazing or a frontage exposed to knocks. It is heavier and dearer than aluminium and needs careful corrosion protection, so it is a deliberate choice and not a default.

What are the options?

Slim steel framingNarrow bars form a grid of panes, giving the dark-framed look often seen in warehouse conversions.

Stainless steel framesStainless sections suit food premises and coastal sites, with grade 316 the usual choice near the sea.

Galvanised and powder coatedHot-dip galvanising to BS EN ISO 1461 followed by powder coat gives good protection on external frames.

Security-rated steelFrames and doors can be specified to PAS 24 or LPS 1175 for premises with a higher risk of attack.

Fire-rated steel screensTested steel screens with fire-rated glass can divide a shop from a shared escape route or adjoining unit.

How much does a steel shop front cost?

Steel shop fronts usually come in at £5,495 to £13,995 ex VAT for a typical frontage, supplied and fitted. Fabrication time drives the cost, so the number of bars, welded corners and door sets matters most. Galvanising, stainless grades, security ratings and lifting equipment for heavy sections also add to it. We confirm the structure and access at a free survey before giving a written fixed quote.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Frame	Mild steel, or stainless steel in grade 304 or 316
Protection	Hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, then powder coated
Glass	Toughened or laminated safety glass, or double-glazed units
Security	PAS 24 or LPS 1175 tested products where the risk justifies them
Typical lead time	8 to 12 weeks from signed drawings (typical range)

How does the job run?

Check the opening
We assess the lintel, jambs and fixing points, since steel frames are much heavier than aluminium.
Design the grid
Drawings set the bar spacing, door positions and glass sizes, and any structural calculations are arranged.
Fabricate and protect
Sections are welded, then galvanised or primed and powder coated before delivery.
Lift, fix and glaze
Frames are lifted in, fixed back to the structure and glazed, then locks, closers and seals are set.

Common questions

Will a steel shop front rust?

Not if it is protected and looked after. External mild steel should be galvanised and powder coated, and any chips should be repaired before water reaches the metal. Near the sea, ask about grade 316 stainless, which copes better with salt, and rinse it down regularly.

Is steel stronger than aluminium for a shop front?

Yes, steel is much stiffer and stronger for the same section size. That allows slimmer bars over a given span, or taller glazing. The trade-off is weight: steel frames need stronger fixings, a solid opening and more people to lift them into place.

Is a steel shop front better for security?

It can be, but only if the whole assembly is designed for it. Frame, glass, hinges and locks all have to work together. Tested products to PAS 24 or LPS 1175 show how a doorset performs, while a steel frame with ordinary glass adds very little.

Do I need planning permission for a steel shop front?

Usually yes in England, if it materially changes the look of the building. Industrial styling can be contentious on traditional streets, so raise it early. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and our drawings can support an application for the council to decide.

Which materials go with this?

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