Steel and aluminum both deliver the slim, modern sightlines designers love — but they’re not interchangeable. Here’s how to choose between them.
Strength and sightlines
Steel is the stronger of the two, allowing the narrowest possible frames and large expanses of glass. Aluminum is lighter and more affordable while still achieving clean, contemporary lines.
Both are durable and low-maintenance when specified well.
How they compare:
- Steel: narrowest sightlines and maximum strength
- Aluminum: lighter, cost-effective, modern
- Both: durable, slim, and low-maintenance
- Thermal breaks for high-country comfort
- Finishes to match any palette
In practice, many projects use both where each makes the most sense.
Making the call
The right choice comes down to your design goals, budget, and how much you value the absolute thinnest frame. Often the two are combined across a single project.
Either way, the result is the same feeling: more glass, more view, and a crisp, modern edge.
“Steel or aluminum, the goal is the same — get the frame out of the way so the view can take over.”
