Why the South is leading the aluminium boom | Ali by Framexpress

Aluminium windows and doors have come a long way in the last decade. Once seen as a specialist or premium product, aluminium is now one of the fastest-growing materials in the trade market, and much of that growth is being led by the South of England.

According to the WindowBASE Window & Door Market Trends Report 2025, aluminium continues to gain traction across the UK, with the South East and South West showing the strongest adoption. Aluminium now represents around 30% of the total window and door market by value, driven by design-led demand and evolving homeowner expectations.

For the trade, that shift means opportunity. Installers who understand what’s driving aluminium’s growth and how to meet those expectations can stay ahead of the curve and build stronger, more profitable businesses.

Why the South is setting the trend

The South has historically led in housing and design trends, from London and the Home Counties to the South Coast and West Country. High property values, active renovation markets, and a culture that invests in architecture all drive the quicker adoption of premium materials like aluminium.

Southern homeowners are design-led and specification-savvy. They’re influenced by contemporary architecture, lifestyle media and sustainability standards that drive higher expectations. When it comes to windows and doors, aluminium perfectly fits the brief: slim sightlines, modern design, strong environmental credentials and exceptional durability.

At the same time, developers and builders in the region are specifying aluminium more frequently for new build and refurbishment projects. Whether it’s for coastal resilience, high thermal performance or visual continuity across mixed-use developments, aluminium delivers where other materials struggle.

Design-driven demand

From London townhouses and Surrey extensions to Cornish new builds, design is now the biggest driver of aluminium’s rise. Homeowners are inspired by minimalist, light-filled architecture, and aluminium enables the kind of expanses of glass and fine detailing.

The steel-look trend continues to dominate, too. More than one in four aluminium entrance doors are now steel-look in style, reflecting the demand for high-end finishes that balance industrial character with modern performance. For installers, this shift means more specification-led conversations. Customers aren’t asking for a door or a window, they’re asking for a look, a lifestyle, a feature that adds value to their home.

Aluminium goes mainstream

Aluminium isn’t just for high-end builds anymore. It’s moved from premium to everyday, a material that appeals across budgets because of its longevity, recyclability and design freedom.

Homeowners who once chose uPVC are now weighing up aluminium for the added kerb appeal and thermal performance. That’s created a huge opportunity for trade businesses that can offer both, matching the right material to each customer’s priorities.

It’s also helped close the gap between aspirational and achievable. As systems and production have evolved, aluminium has become more accessible, meaning more installers can quote confidently without pricing themselves out of the job.

What it means for installers

As demand grows, so do expectations. Homeowners and developers expect precision engineering, reliable lead times and a fabricator that makes life easier on-site.

That’s where partnerships matter. Working with the right aluminium fabricator gives installers the confidence to quote accurately, deliver on spec, and maintain a consistent customer experience from enquiry to installation.

Aluminium can open the door to higher-margin projects, but only if the supply chain is reliable, communication is clear, and support is there when it’s needed.

Supporting the shift with Ali by Framexpress

That’s exactly why we created Ali by Framexpress, to help installers tap into the aluminium opportunity with the same simplicity, reliability and service they already know from our uPVC and composite door ranges.

It’s high-performance aluminium designed around trade efficiency. From bifolds and sliders to windows and entrance doors, every product combines sleek design with straightforward installation and dependable lead times.

And with the right technical support, training and marketing guidance, installers can take on more ambitious projects and sell the benefits of aluminium with confidence.

The bigger picture

Aluminium’s rise in the South is influencing what homeowners across the UK want, but that doesn’t mean uPVC is losing ground. uPVC remains the backbone of the UK market and continues to offer unbeatable value, efficiency and versatility. For many homeowners, it’s still the most practical choice, delivering excellent thermal performance and durability at a competitive price.

 

The future isn’t aluminium or uPVC, it’s both. The most successful installers will be those who can offer the right solution for every project, combining the design-led appeal of aluminium with the proven reliability of uPVC.

That’s exactly where Framexpress sits, giving trade partners access to a complete portfolio of products through one trusted supplier.

Ready for what’s next

The aluminium boom shows no signs of slowing down. As homeowners, developers and architects continue to push for more design-led, sustainable solutions, demand will only grow.

For the trade, now’s the time to prepare. Whether that means exploring aluminium for the first time or expanding your current range, partnering with the right supplier can make all the difference.

With Ali by Framexpress, you have the products, the support and the reliability to compete in this evolving market. Get in touch with us today!