Steel Windows vs. Timber & Aluminium

With advances in seals and finishes, steel windows have become the material of choice when it comes to a build or renovation for both home and business owners. But how is steel different to aluminium or timber?

Aluminium vs Steel Windows

Aluminium frames for your windows and doors have been standard to your build for years. While they may be more cost-effective and durable than timber, their lack of flexibility when renovating and tendency to buckle in more extreme conditions has led more and more people to turn to steel windows when designing the space they’ve always imagined.

Aluminium comes with a ready-made finish. Sure, people will tell you that lets you easily put a frame together to a standard fit. But standard can sometimes mean unexciting when it comes to choosing the look of your new space. If you’re after something that’s even a little bit different, or want to customise the feel of your home or business, the limited fit and size of aluminium will make this harder to achieve. Steel frames can still be treated with a variety of finishes, but they also give you a character and presence that aluminium lacks. If you’re looking for a sturdier, heavier feel to your frames, but don’t want to compromise on a thin profile and loads of light, steel has the advantage of accommodating larger, double-glazed glass for your windows. And advances in sealing technology mean that Steel Window Co’s Swiss-sourced steel frames are still ideal for the Australian climate.

Aluminium frames may seem cheaper at the outset. But if you go with aluminium, you’re really going for an assembly job over a crafting process. Steel might be more labour-intensive, but that’s because it’s fabricated to your specifications. And while steel components are fitted and welded, aluminium frames are cut and then screwed together, making them more exposed to weaknesses in joins and buckling. When you choose steel frames, you know they’re going to be with you for the long haul.

Timber vs Steel Windows

There are a few reasons why you might have narrowed your choices down to timber versus steel. The most likely reason would be your desire for a classic look for your new build or renovation. Since both materials are sturdy and reliable, your only other considerations would be the character of the materials and the profile of the frame. Steel gives you a flexibility that you can only dream of with timber, while retaining a character and aesthetic that other choices of material simply can’t provide. On top of that, steel gives you the option of pivot windows and doors that can be arranged flexibly into any build, as opposed to the limitations that timber sometimes brings.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that while changes in building standards have improved the quality and safety standards of timber, the price point has gone up along with them. And when it comes to maintenance, it’s true that both steel and timber need to have their finishes maintained, but it’s also worth considering how often you’ll have to worry about it. Timber frames need frequent refinishing, while your steel frames will need their coating touched up far less often.

Time to Choose

Steel frame windows have a durability and individual character that more than makes up for the price difference. Whether you’re looking to invite in new customers or relax at home, the thin, incredibly strong profile of steel frame windows will help you create a fantastic, bright space for it.