If you are pricing up a new aluminium shopfront, the answer is rarely a single number. Costs depend on the size of the opening, the glazing, the doors and the finish you choose. This guide gives you realistic ranges and explains exactly what drives the price, so you can budget sensibly before asking anyone to quote.
As a rough guide for the West Midlands, a standard aluminium shopfront usually lands between £3,000 and £8,000 supplied and fitted. A small single unit with one door and fixed glazing sits at the lower end, while a wider double or triple bay frontage with feature glazing climbs towards the top.
Larger or more complex frontages, for example a corner unit, a curved screen or anything over about 4 metres wide, can run from £8,000 to £15,000 or more. These figures include the frame, glass, a door and standard installation, but exclude shutters, signage and any building works.
Size is the obvious one, but the glazing specification often makes the biggest difference. Toughened safety glass is standard, while laminated, double glazed or anti bandit units add cost. The thicker and more secure the glass, the higher the figure.
Doors matter too. A single manual swing door is the cheapest option, whereas automatic sliding doors, double doors or commercial entrance systems with closers and access control push the total up. The aluminium finish also counts: a standard polyester powder coat in a single RAL colour is included, but dual colour, anodised or non standard shades carry a premium.
The shopfront itself is only part of the job. If you are replacing an old timber or steel frontage, removal and disposal, making good the brickwork, and any structural lintel work are separate line items. On a busy Birmingham high street you may also need temporary hoarding or out of hours fitting to avoid disrupting trade.
Roller shutters are a common add on and are usually priced separately, typically £900 to £3,000 depending on width and whether they are manual or electric. Building control sign off, planning permission in a conservation area, and signage are also worth factoring in early.
Because every opening is different, the only reliable figure comes from a site survey. A proper survey checks the exact dimensions, the condition of the surrounding structure, and access, then sets out the glazing and door spec against your security needs and budget.
When you compare quotes, make sure they are like for like. Ask what glass grade is included, whether installation and waste removal are covered, and what the guarantee period is. A cheap headline price often leaves out exactly the items that cause overspend later.
Aluminium usually sits in the middle: more than basic timber but generally cheaper than fabricated steel, while needing far less maintenance than either. Its corrosion resistance and slim sightlines make it the most popular commercial choice.
A straightforward single shopfront is often fitted in one to two days once the unit is manufactured. Lead time for the frame itself is typically three to five weeks after survey, depending on the glazing and finish.
Yes, shutters can be fitted to an existing aluminium frontage, though it is cheaper and tidier to plan the box and fixings in at the same time. Retrofitting is still very common and we can survey for it separately.