Coloured Frames Reshape Fabrication Priorities as Demand Continues to Grow

The growing popularity of coloured window and door frames is continuing to influence fabrication strategies, with manufacturers adapting production to meet changing customer preferences while maintaining reliable lead times.

According to Glazerite, coloured frames now represent approximately 43% of its overall production, compared with around 30% eight years ago. The company says the increase reflects rising homeowner demand for greater design choice, with coloured foils becoming an increasingly common specification in both replacement and renovation projects.

As fabricators respond to this shift, the focus is extending beyond expanding colour ranges to ensuring manufacturing flexibility and dependable service for installers.

Commenting on the trend, Glazerite's group sales & commercial director, Jeff Dunn, said: “Colour has become a much bigger part of the sales conversation over the last decade.

“Homeowners are placing greater emphasis on looks, personalisation and kerb appeal. That is having a direct influence on the products installers are specifying.”

To support the broader demand for coloured products, manufacturers are offering a wider choice of foils, finishes and systems while seeking to maintain the lead times installers expect. The company believes that providing greater choice also creates opportunities for installers to add value through product specification.

Dunn said: “Customers want access to more colours, more finishes and more options than ever before. Providing that level of choice also requires dependable lead times and consistent service.

“As customer expectations evolve, manufacturing flexibility becomes more important because installers still need confidence that products will arrive when they expect them.

“Glazerite manufactures multiple profile systems, including VEKA and Deceuninck, alongside an expanding aluminium range that includes products from AluK and Cortizo. Operating across multiple systems provides greater flexibility when supporting changing customer requirements.

“The advantage of operating multiple systems is that it gives us greater flexibility,” Dunn explained. “Where one option may create delays, alternative systems can often help customers achieve a similar finish while maintaining project timescales.

“That means installers can continue providing homeowners with the colours and styles they want while keeping projects moving efficiently.”

With demand for colour continuing to increase, fabrication businesses are likely to place even greater emphasis on production flexibility, system choice and efficient scheduling as homeowners seek more personalised window and door designs.