Configure Your Dream External Heritage Steel-look Door with Decorio

September 11, 2025

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By Scott Hilton

If you’re planning to replace ageing timber or steel doors, or want to bring classic character to a modern home, Decorio’s external heritage-style doors offer the perfect solution. Made from slimline aluminium with authentic period detailing, they combine timeless looks with 21st-century performance — all at a more accessible price point than other premium systems.

Whether you’re renovating a cottage, upgrading a townhouse, or working on a conservation project, this guide will walk you through the key options to consider when designing your perfect steel-look door.

1. Aluminium Frame Construction

All Decorio external doors are manufactured using premium-grade, powder-coated aluminium — offering the perfect balance of strength, style, and low maintenance. Unlike timber or steel, aluminium won’t swell, warp, or rust, making it ideal for year-round performance.

To improve energy efficiency, our systems include advanced polyamide thermal break technology built into the frame. This creates a barrier between the inner and outer sections of the door, significantly reducing heat transfer. The result? Improved insulation, reduced energy bills, and a more comfortable home — all without compromising on the ultra-slim sightlines or period styling that make Decorio doors so distinctive.

Our frames are also fully PAS24 and Document Q tested, meeting the highest standards for thermal performance and security in residential settings.

2. Size & Layout Options

Every door is made-to-measure to suit your opening. Whether you’re after a classic single door, a striking French door pair, or something more expansive with fixed side or top lights, we can tailor the layout to your project.

We also accommodate wide or tall apertures using multi-part assemblies — ideal for grand entrances, glazed porches, or linking indoor and outdoor living areas.

Grey Heritage Steel-look French door with sidelights on a renovated stone wall barn

3. Configuration Types

Every home is different — and so is every Decorio project. That’s why our external heritage-style doors are available in a variety of configurations to suit everything from compact side entrances to grand garden openings.

Choose from:

  • Single doors – perfect for back doors, utility rooms, or side access
  • French doors – a popular option for garden access and patios
  • Doors with sidelights or toplights – great for maximising light

All systems can be configured for inward or outward opening, depending on space requirements.

* Top lights can be added to any of the configuration options shown above, and opening sash windows can also be incorporated into the sidelights and top lights of the door sets.

4. Customise your Bar Layout

One of the standout features of Decorio external doors is the ability to customise your glazing bar layout to create exactly the right visual impact.

Want to channel that classic steel grid look? Add vertical astragal bars to your door panels for a structured, heritage-inspired finish. You can choose from:

  • 25mm slimline bars for a more refined, understated style
  • 41mm wider bars for bold, industrial character

Whether you're matching original steel doors or putting a modern twist on period design, these bar options let you dial up the detail to suit your home.

5. Glazing & Privacy Options

Decorio doors are supplied unglazed, allowing your installer to select the ideal glazing for your needs:

  • Clear toughened glass for a bright, open feel
  • Obscure or frosted glass for privacy without blocking light
  • Laminated options for extra security or acoustic performance

You can also choose glazing bar layouts (horizontal, vertical, grid-style) to echo traditional steel door patterns — or go minimal with fewer bars for a more contemporary take.

6. Colour Choices

We offer a wide selection of RAL colours (+200 Colour), including best-selling finishes like:

  • Matt Black (RAL 9005) – a go-to for industrial and Art Deco-inspired schemes
  • Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) – modern and versatile
  • White and Cream tones – ideal for period homes and listed properties

Many colours are available on shorter lead times — check with your installer for options.

7. Hardware & Handles

Just like premium steel-look systems, our doors can be fitted with a choice of heritage-style or modern handles. Whether you prefer:

  • Traditional swan neck levers
  • Art Deco-inspired square designs
  • Sleek contemporary styles

…you’ll find a finish that complements your interior and exterior scheme. View the external door page for an in-depth breakdown of the handle options and colours.

Black Art Deco styled handle on a Off white crittall style door

8. French Door Handle Block Options

With Decorio French doors, it’s not just about functionality — it’s about balance and detail. You have the choice to style your hardware to suit your space and aesthetic.

Prefer a cleaner, more minimal look that maximises glass area and lets light pour through? Opt for a handle and handle block on the master door only, leaving the slave door beautifully uninterrupted.

Or, if you’re after a perfectly symmetrical design that echoes traditional steel French doors, you can choose to add a second handle and handle block on the slave door. It’s all about how you want your doorway to feel — more light and openness, or a balanced and uniform finish.

9. Threshold & Accessibility Options

Choose from a standard weathered threshold for external performance, or a 15mm low threshold for easier access — perfect for wheelchair users or family homes.

Your installer can advise on Building Regulations compliance if accessibility or step-free entry is required.

10. Panels & Kickplates (Optional)

If you’d like a more solid feel, or need added durability, you can choose:

  • Kickplates for foot protection in high-traffic areas
  • Solid aluminium panels to replace part of the glazing (ideal for privacy or design contrast)

These can be colour-matched to the door and styled to suit modern or heritage applications.

11. Installed by Local Professionals

Decorio doors are exclusively available through our nationwide network of trusted trade installers. Each installer manages your survey, glazing selection, and installation — so you get expert service from start to finish. They’ll also handle any aftercare or support, giving you full peace of mind.

Start Designing Your Decorio Door

Whether you're updating a traditional home or adding heritage character to a new build, our steel-look external doors offer elegant styling, robust construction, and excellent value. Liasise with a local installer today to customise your project — and bring timeless design to your doorway.

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