20+ Years Experience
Specialist Shop Fronts
There are various types of shop fronts available in the UK.
We are here to let you know the various materials available as well as the benefits and limitations of each.
Whether you are looking for shop fronts for showrooms, display windows or offices, we can offer the best installation services.
If you would like more information on the installation of shopfronts, shutters or security grilles, or you would like a cost for a new store front, please get in touch with our team today.
The type of shop front material you choose for your business can significantly impact its visibility, effectiveness, and overall appearance.
Shop fronts come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional wooden-framed designs to modern glass and steel facades.
Each has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to consider the pros and cons of each type before selecting one for your business.
For more information on shopfront design, click here.
A glass shopfront is a great way to engage customers by offering them a visual into your business, but it can also be useful for security too. All shop fronts provided by us are made to meet safety requirements, and the glass door or window projects have the additional benefit of looking very modern.
Framed and frameless glass shop fronts can be very bespoke and work well on commercial shop fronts as they can be inviting to customers. All of the glass shop fronts we install are made to double glazing or triple glazing for the highest quality.
There are various types of glass installations we can provide in the installation, check them out below:
Laminated glass is a strong, transparent material that is great for shop fronts, commercial doors, and various buildings.
Laminated glass is typically stronger than tempered glass and also provides UV resistance, security, and soundproofing.
As a specialist safety glass, you can be sure that there will be no harsh damage if the glass is shattered. An interlayer is what holds it together – this is usually polyvinyl butyral, ethylene-vinyl acetate or thermoplastic polyurethane.
Tempered glass (or toughened glass) is a different type of safety glass, which can also be used for shop fronts, windows and even automatic doors.
Toughened glass is processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments so that its strength is increased more than normal glass. Our team can also offer thermal break windows.
By ‘tempering’ the glass, you will put the outer surface into compression and the interior into tension. Tempered glass does not break easily, however impact can break it.
This material has scratch-resistant properties, it is strong and durable. The glass is also council friendly, high quality, aesthetically pleasing and offers thermal resistance which improves energy saving.
One of our most popular storefront installations is curved glass windows. Glass bending is available on single glazing, double glazing and triple glazed windows.
A curved glass shopfront is stylish and can be installed to meet your requirements.
For more info on curved glass panels for your business, please make sure to speak to our team today.
Curtain walling is an outer cover of a building, where the outer walls are non-structural.
Typically used for low to medium facades, shopfronts and showrooms are popular facilities where curtain walling is installed.
A curtain wall can create a practical solution for shops with options of sloped glazing and specific shapes. Glazed curtain walls allow maximum light into both small and large multistorey buildings.
Our shopfitters offer professional installation to completely transform your workplace. This versatile polyamide thermal break system is a great option for any shop owner who are looking for a smart design.
Working on a roller system, an automatic shutter shop front can be installed onto your site to offer a fast, easy solution for safety. We can help improve the entrance to your shopfront using automatic, bifold doors which allow any customer to enter the store with ease.
We work to meet the legal requirements of all shop fronts and can ensure that your bi folding doors and door shutters work to a high performance every time. We can create a shop front sign that meets your requirements and works well with your brand.
If you would like to receive even more information on bi folding doors and other shop fronts services, feel free to get in touch with us today!
To protect your shopfront when it is closed or inhabited, you should get roller shutter solutions installed.
There is a range of sliding roller shutters and fire-resisting shutter doors available.
We have a complete range of colours, sizes, and designs, so make sure to get in touch with our team if you require more information on shutter installation costs and designs.
If you have any more questions regarding shop fronts roller shutters and security doors, out team can help.
Our team also specialise in all types of Security Grilles. This includes the following:
Businesses tend to use security for windows, doors and fire exits. Our team also offer security for home patio doors and more.
If you are looking for new shop front ideas, the anodised aluminium options could be the best for you. You can get commercial aluminium shopfronts at the best value, without having to compromise on quality.
Our team aim to offer premium materials at cost effective prices to ensure you get the very best results.
The commercial aluminium shop fronts cost can vary depending on the size of your shop unit, as well as the number of doors and windows at the front.
UPVC can be installed for the door and side panel, as well as the actual shop sign. Our shop fitters can install UPVC in a range of different colours and designs to meet individual needs and requirements.
The great thing about UPVC too, is that you can also respray at a later date. Therefore if you decide to rebrand, you won’t have to completely rebuild the front of the store.
If you require more information on UPVC shopfront solutions, please get in touch with our team and we can offer a no obligation, free quotation.
Another popular product is timber. Our wooden shopfront manufacturers can create unique designs to match your brand. There is a range of colours and woods clients can select from, these include:
Timber cladding and wooden shop fronts can often be cheaper alternatives to some of the other options available.
Our valuable clients can get long lasting wooden shop front solutions at cost effective rates by speaking to our highly skilled team today.
These are just a few examples of the different types of shop fronts available for businesses today.
While each style has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to consider all options carefully before selecting one for your business’s needs.
By understanding the pros and cons of each option, you can make an educated decision that will benefit your company in the long run.
Now that we’ve covered several different types of shop fronts, let’s explore the various advantages associated with glass shop fronts in our next section.
Frameless shop fronts are becoming more popular and widely accepted.
These shop fronts are preferred because they allow businesses to give their storefronts a clean and modern appearance while also putting natural light into their interiors.
Frameless shopfronts consist of two large glass panels connected by a stainless steel frame and can be installed on both hinged and sliding door designs. They are also relatively easy to install since the glass panes only need to be screwed onto the frame.
These types of designs offer a modern appearance to your business.
Our team can install rails, patch fittings and various other finishes to your shopfront to offer a sleek and stylish design that can be used for showrooms, offices, large stores, supermarkets, displays, and more.
We offer a bespoke service for every job to ensure you get the perfect finish.
Although frameless shop fronts offer many advantages, such as an aesthetically pleasing look, great visibility and increased ventilation, they might also have some downsides.
Firstly, these shop fronts are made of glass which can be easily damaged or broken if not properly secured or maintained. Additionally, if the frame is not corrosion-resistant, it may require increased maintenance over time in order to maintain its look.
The benefits of having a frameless shop front often outweigh the drawbacks, however, it is important for business owners to consider both aspects when deciding which type of shop front would be best for their business needs.
Designing a shop front is an important aspect of setting up a business. The right choice can help generate more customers and brand recognition.
However, many factors must be considered when designing a shop front that best represents the business and attracts customers.
One of the main factors to consider when designing a shop front is the location. It is important to consider local regulations and differences in urban landscaping that can determine the kind of building materials and structure that can be used for the shopfront.
For example, buildings in certain locations may require specific materials specified by local ordinances. The visibility, walkability, and available parking should also be looked into when deciding on the best location for a shop front.
In addition to location, the budget must also be taken into account. A business may want a high-end design but reality sets in regarding how much money they are willing to part with for that dream design. It’s important to balance budget and quality while considering aesthetics such as colours and lettering style.
Investing in lighter colours can help bring in more natural light, saving energy costs down the line.
Also, slimline frames can provide extra space for promotional material rather than have them occupy walkways or other display spaces inside the premises.
The crowd that frequents the area should also be considered when deciding on a design for the shop front.
This includes looking at age demographics, lifestyles, and incomes and understanding their spending habits so that businesses can tailor their product ranges accordingly as well as choosing colours and styles of signage suited to interested potential customers from that demographic group.
Finally, ergonomics has become increasingly important whilst designing shop fronts; this means considering any accessibility needs, particularly wheelchair access and hearing loops, to serve disabled customers.
Additionally, creating larger windows allows more natural light. It makes it easier to see products inside stores. However, creating an opaque view might work better when it comes to protecting valuables or expensive products inside stores from passersby or theft.
All these elements must be considered along with various others before settling on any particular design for your shopfront, making sure all features blend seamlessly together, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing look that perfectly represents your branding strategy while still being cost-effective.
To culminate all these factors discussed, size and structure come together as vital requirements for any successful shopfront design and we will delve further into this topic in the next section.
Size and structure are two of the most important design considerations when selecting a shop front.
The size of the shop front must be appropriate for its context and customer base, while at the same time allowing sufficient space for customers to enter and move around without feeling cramped.
Whilst a larger shopfront may be visually more attractive and give customers the impression that there is plenty of choice within the store, care must be taken to ensure that it can fit in with the surrounding architecture.
Conversely, opting for a small shop front could mean creating an intimate shopping experience for your customers. However, this option may not provide enough space for an adequate amount of stock, nor would it likely be as eye-catching from street level.
For many, creating an enclosure for the shop front provides additional safety. Windows and doors are ideal solutions for creating an enclosed space, not only does this protect against weather damage but also discourages theft or vandalism.
For business owners looking to maximise security measures, roller shutters or metal security grilles can give added protection while allowing some store visibility.
When brainstorming ideas, property owners should be aware of local bylaws; certain regulations may dictate what kind or type of construction and materials you’re allowed to use in different areas so it’s important to determine any potential boundaries before making any costly or irreversible decisions.
The size and structure of a shop front should not be underestimated when it comes to designing and constructing the perfect storefront.
With careful thought and consideration about these aspects, it is possible to create a safe, eye-catching enviroment that can attract new customers whilst remaining within budget.
The colours and themes of shop fronts are just as important as their design and materials.
The colours and themes can influence the atmosphere of a business, providing potential customers with an idea of what they may be looking at if they walk inside.
A colourful and inviting storefront can attract customers, while a dull and outdated store front may be better served by repainting or renovating the facade.
Some business owners may opt for bright, bold painted walls with matching decor or wall graphics, which can enhance the display window to entice shoppers.
Others go for more subtle colour schemes that draw attention in different ways – for instance, pastels may have a calming effect whereas bright neons will evoke energy.
Strategic placement of accent colours is also popular; strategically placing a few bold colours across a muted palette can act as visual cues to direct customer’s eyes – this might take the form of extra vibrant bricks on one side of the store front or coloured neon lights to highlight key elements in the store windows.
There is always a balance when it comes to choosing shop front colours and themes; too much can hamper the level of sophistication and elegance associated with luxury stores, whereas too little can leave it feeling cold and uninviting.
It’s important to consider how complementary colours will work together as well as what type of mood you want to project outside your store.
Work within certain parameters like building regulations so you don’t face potential fines – especially if you’re using neon or LED lights outside your shop front – but also think about how a customer experience is enhanced or diminished by your colour scheme or design theme.
When thoughtfully applied, colour and theme can create an inviting atmosphere that helps your business differentiate itself from its competitors while encouraging potential customers to enter the entrance and explore what lies beyond.
With careful consideration, choosing an effective colour and theme combination for your shop front can result in great benefit for both you and your customers alike.
The cost of installing shop fronts is highly dependent on the materials used, designs chosen, customizations added as well as any additional fixtures required including lights or signage boards.
Shopfronts are becoming increasingly popular as powerful methods of showcasing goods, services and brands.
Retail stores, restaurants and companies alike can create a dynamic and inviting space that customers can easily relate to.
However, if not properly utilised, shop fronts can cause confusion, distaste or even a feeling of vulnerability. In order to have the most benefit from a shopfront, they need to be designed with functionality at top priority.
Utilising shop fronts for maximum usability requires careful planning and selection of layout and features. Visualisation of the layout should consider traffic flow, customer experience and aesthetic appeal.
When designing the shopfront for maximum usability, it is important to consider elements such as storefront dimensions, display locations, lighting levels and signage.
For example in larger spaces, adding an entryway table to define an entrance could be beneficial; in smaller shops glass doors aid in providing a wide view of the space from the street.
Additionally, various glass treatments such as tinted glass or branded framing help positively enhance the aesthetics of the front while still providing visibility of merchandise.
Utilising creative illumination throughout storefronts will also increase visibility at night and draw more attention from passersby.
Since shop fronts can be customised according to each brand’s individual needs, there is no one ‘right way’ to design a shopfront for maximum usability.
Different layouts work well depending on the situation; some businesses use large window frames to showcase their works while others prefer gridded windows in order to emphasise interior products or signage.
Ultimately, most important is that businesses find what best suits them without sacrificing functionality over form.
In the debate about utilising shopfronts for maximum usability, those who are against it argue that customers may feel overwhelmed by too much information being put on display in the window space.
This can drive away potential customers instead of attracting them due to confusion and general intimidation by an overly crowded space.
On the other hand, supporters of this debate suggest that if designed with proper thought and intention, customers will understand what is being presented despite multiple items being available for view in the same space.
No matter which side of this argument one side chooses to stand on- it cannot be denied that designing a shopfront with usability at top priority ensures less distraction and more engagement with patrons going into or passing by the store, befitting everyone involved in making businesses successful today.
When choosing a shop front, several design elements should be considered, which include the following:
By carefully considering all these factors when deciding on a shop front design, you can ensure that your store looks inviting and professional – resulting in more customers entering through its doors!
The advantages and disadvantages of different types of shop fronts depend on the type of business being conducted, budget constraints, and the desired aesthetic.
Solid wood or metal doors are durable, secure, and low-maintenance, but may not offer customers a clear view into the store. However, large windows with glass panes allow passers-by to window shop before entering the store and let in natural light throughout the day.
On the other hand, windows can be more difficult to keep clean and let in extreme temperatures that may require additional energy costs to maintain an ideal shopping environment.
Sliding glass doors have similar visibility benefits to framed windows but are easier to operate than traditional hinged doors. The smooth, sliding motion may also attract more customers due to its ever-changing storefront display.
Additionally, sliding glass doors may require protective shutters or tinting film on hot days to prevent heat build up and reduce energy consumption.
Another option is a bi-fold door which opens up half (or all) the storefront at once for customers walking by.
Bi-fold doors elevate the physical frontage an onlooker sees when approaching your store and add an invitingness to the area.
However, these types of doors often consist of large amounts of glass which can require regular cleaning as well as reinforcement for added security.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your budget and local weather conditions when deciding on shop fronts.
From wooden doors to bi-fold sliding glass doors, there is a wide variety of different options available so it pays to do some research before settling on a final choice.
The most used materials for shop fronts is glass or aluminium.
Glass is an extremely popular material for any storefront, as it allows potential customers to view the interior before entering, whilst also providing plenty of natural light during the day.
However, glass might require maintenance more frequently compared to other materials since dirt and dust can accumulate more quickly on these surfaces.
Metal is another common material choice for storefronts, as it is strong and resistant to weather conditions. Metal can also be easily shaped into various designs, from modern-style displays to more traditional styles.
Additionally, metal is usually relatively easy to maintain and care for, leading to longer-lasting storefronts.
Ultimately, the type of material chosen for a shop front will depend on what kind of store it is meant to represent. However, glass and metal tend to be the most common materials used in creating modern storefronts today.
You may also want to consider which material is cheaper to repair or replace in the event damage happens to your property. For more information on repairs, please click here.
The most common types of shop front designs include sliding doors, folding doors, curtain walls and glass storefronts.
Depending on the store type and budget, other design options may be available.
Our team can offer a range of different shop fronts that have high durability and great aesthetic appeal. For information on the price of our installations, please complete our contact form today.
There are a range of other shopfront services that we can provide. Have a look at the list below for more information:
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