1. Home
  2. >Application
  3. > Aluminum in the Building Decoration Industry
  4. > Aluminum Storefronts and Aluminium Shop Front Systems

Aluminum Storefronts and Aluminium Shop Front Systems

Notice: Production MOQ 500 kg. Stock products can be purchased in small quantities.

Chalco supplies custom aluminum storefronts and aluminium shop front systems for retail stores, offices, restaurants, shopping malls and commercial entrance projects.

Our systems can include aluminum storefront framing, fixed glass panels, entrance doors, sidelites, transoms, glass options, hardware compatibility, finishes, drawing-based fabrication and export packaging, helping contractors and project buyers build durable, modern and project-ready commercial shop fronts.

Why choose Chalco aluminum storefront systems?

Chalco offers customized aluminum storefront systems and storefront extrusion profiles for commercial facades, retail stores, office entrances, mall storefronts and renovation projects.

We can assist contractors, distributors and project buyers in confirming profile cross-sections, surface finishes, fabrication methods and export packaging based on customer drawings, opening dimensions, glass specifications, door types, color preferences and hardware requirements—accelerating selection and quotation.

Popular aluminum storefront system configurations

Not sure which storefront system fits your project? Start with the application environment, glass type, opening size and appearance requirement.

Thermal aluminum storefront system for exterior commercial shop front
Thermal Storefront System

Enhances indoor comfort

  • Compatible with insulating glass units (IGUs) and Low-E glass
  • Glass, profile and energy performance requirements must be confirmed
Non-thermal aluminum storefront system for interior shop front and mall partition
Non-Thermal Storefront System

Easier cost control

  • Simple structure, easy installation
  • Installation location and glass thickness must be confirmed
Center glazed aluminum storefront system for retail display windows
Center Glazed Storefront System

Balanced aesthetics, widely applicable

  • Ideal for large glass display areas
  • Frame depth and glass thickness must be confirmed
Offset glazed aluminum storefront system for custom commercial facade
Offset Glazed Storefront System

Supports specific architectural designs

  • Facilitates integration with varied installation nodes
  • Glass position and drainage direction must be confirmed
Flush front aluminum storefront system for modern brand store entrance
Flush Front / Recessed Storefront System

Sleek, flat and contemporary appearance

  • Requires higher fabrication precision
  • Profile, joint details and finish must be confirmed
Reinforced aluminum storefront system for large glass commercial entrance
Reinforced Storefront System

Improves frame stability

  • Suitable for heavier glass or larger glazing bays
  • Glass weight, wind load and profile cross-section must be confirmed

What products are typically included in an aluminum shop front system?

An aluminum storefront system is a complete commercial entrance solution composed of aluminum storefront framing, fixed glass panels, entrance doors, sidelites, transoms, glazing beads, gaskets and hardware components.

Common storefront door options

Door Type Application Scenario Description
Single storefront door Standard retail stores, offices, small commercial entrances Simple structure with clear pricing; suitable for standard door openings and moderate foot traffic.
Double storefront door Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, wide entrances Wider passage width; ideal for high foot traffic and prominent commercial entrances.
Swing door Most commercial main entrances Stable operation; easily integrates with handles, locks, closers and panic bars.
Sliding shop front door Space-constrained stores, cafés, commercial partitions Does not occupy interior or exterior swing space
Framed glass door Retail stores, showrooms, office entrances Combines glass transparency with aluminum structural strength—a common solution for commercial facades.
Folding storefront door / Bi-fold shop front door Restaurants, cafés, showrooms, outdoor seating areas Enables larger opening area
Single aluminum storefront door for standard commercial shop entrance
Single storefront door
Double aluminum storefront doors for wide commercial entrance
Double storefront door
Aluminum swing storefront door for commercial building entrance
Swing door
Aluminum sliding shop front door for space-saving commercial entrance
Sliding shop front door
Framed aluminum glass storefront door for retail and office entrance
Framed glass door
Bi-fold aluminum shop front door for wide opening commercial space
Folding storefront door / Bi-fold shop front door

Aluminum storefront framing options

Chalco offers multiple standard and custom aluminum profile solutions—including common F, U, Z, H, T and J profiles, as well as door frame, mullion, transom, glazing bead, connector and reinforcement profiles—based on project drawings, opening dimensions, glass thickness, door configuration and finish requirements.

Whether customers need a complete aluminum frame shop front or only storefront framing profiles, we can assist in confirming the appropriate cross-section, fabrication method and surface finish based on drawings.

Frame component Function
Vertical mullions Support facade glazing divisions and connect fixed glass, door frames and sidelites.
Horizontal transoms Separate upper and lower glazing zones; used for transom windows and fixed glazing layouts.
Door frame Integrates with entrance doors, hinges, locks, closers and glass configurations.
Fixed glass frame Holds large display glass panels to enhance daylighting and visual merchandising.
Sidelite frame Installed beside entrance doors to increase facade width and visual transparency.
Transom window frame Positioned above doors or fixed glass to improve daylighting and facade height.
Glazing beads Secure glass panels for easy installation and future maintenance.
Gaskets and sealing parts Improve glass fit, weather sealing and installation stability.
Drainage design Applicable to exterior storefronts to reduce water accumulation and leakage risks.

In commercial aluminum storefront systems, frame depth and glazing rebate directly affect glass thickness, structural strength, thermal performance and installation method. Common projects may use standard frames for 1/4" monolithic glass or require deeper rebates for 1" insulating glass units (IGUs).

Reference frame size Common use Need to confirm
1-3/4" × 4" Standard center-glazed storefronts and typical display windows Glass thickness, frame depth, glazing bay size
1-3/4" × 4-1/2" Commercial entrances, retail storefronts, standard exterior facades Glazing rebate, door frame connection, installation method
2" × 4-1/2" Reinforced framing, offset glazing, or thermal break system reference Glazing configuration, thermal performance requirements, and detail drawings
2" × 6" Deeper framing, flush appearance, or high-end commercial façades Façade aesthetics, profile compatibility, and fabrication precision
Custom size Non-standard storefronts, brand stores, and project-specified systems Drawings, cross-sections, wall thickness, surface finish, and packaging

For certain projects, reference frame dimensions such as 1-3/4" × 4", 1-3/4" × 4-1/2", 2" × 4-1/2", and 2" × 6" may be used for center-glazed, offset-glazed, flush-appearance, or thermally broken storefront systems.

Chalco can confirm the final profile cross-section based on customer drawings, opening dimensions, glass thickness, glass pocket, wind load, surface finish, and installation conditions, and supports customization of length, cutting, drilling, notching, and packaging labeling.

Instant Quote

Aluminum glass storefront glazing selection

In aluminum glass shop fronts, glazing affects not only the transparency and visual display of the façade but also safety, thermal performance, project cost, and compliance with local regulations.

Based on customer drawings, opening dimensions, framing systems, and project requirements, Chalco can assist in specifying tempered glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units, Low-E glass, and options such as clear, tinted, or frosted glass.

Common glazing options include:

Not sure which frame or glass fits your project? Send your opening size and drawings for review.

Instant Quote

Hardware brands

Chalco can match specified brands or equivalent-grade hardware solutions based on project requirements. Commonly available brands include:

The final brand, model, and compatibility must be confirmed based on door type, sash weight, opening frequency, project budget, and local code requirements.

Instant Quote

Aluminum storefront system surface finishes and color options

Based on project drawings, architectural style, environmental conditions, and color requirements, Chalco offers anodizing, powder coating, PVDF coating, wood grain finishes, and custom color solutions for aluminum storefront framing, door frames, glazing beads, decorative profiles, and accessories.

Finish Best for Buyer concern
Anodized finish Silver, champagne, bronze, and metallic-finish storefronts Strong metallic appearance, suitable for modern commercial entrances; colors should be confirmed against physical samples.
Powder coating Black, white, gray, and brand-color storefronts Flexible color selection, ideal for chain stores, restaurants, and retail storefronts.
PVDF finish Exterior storefronts, hotels, office buildings, and long-term outdoor applications Better suited for high-weatherability requirements; color and coating specifications must be confirmed in advance.
Wood grain finish Hotels, cafés, boutiques, and decorative storefronts Enhances design appeal; texture, color, and grain direction must be confirmed against samples.

Color selection for reference only. Slight variations from the physical item may occur.

Common commercial storefront colors include:

Commercial aluminum storefront system applications

Commercial aluminum storefronts are suitable for commercial projects requiring large glazed areas, clear entrance identity, and durable aluminum framing.

Aluminum shop front with large glass display for retail store entrance

Retail Stores

Aluminum shop fronts provide large display glass and a clean entrance appearance, helping stores improve product visibility and brand image.

Commercial aluminum storefront system for shopping mall shop entrance

Shopping Malls

Commercial aluminum storefronts are suitable for mall shop entrances where durable framing, clear display and consistent appearance are important.

Aluminum glass shop front for restaurant and cafe street-facing entrance

Restaurants and Cafes

Aluminum glass shop fronts create an open, attractive street-facing entrance and can be matched with sliding or folding doors for flexible space use.

Modern aluminum storefront system for office building and showroom facade

Office Buildings and Showrooms

Aluminum storefront systems provide a modern commercial façade with durable framing, customized glass and finish options.

Advantages of aluminum storefront systems

New storefront projects and renovation solutions

Chalco supports new shopfront projects, store renovations and commercial entrance upgrades. For new retail shopfronts, customers usually need to confirm the frame system, glass, door type, color and installation details based on building drawings.

For store renovation or replacement of old shop fronts, the system should be customized according to existing opening size, site photos, old storefront structure and installation conditions.

We can support aluminum storefront systems, aluminium shop front systems, storefront extrusion profiles and related fabrication requirements, helping contractors, installers, distributors and project buyers manage project supply from drawing confirmation to export packaging.

storefront project

Aluminum storefront system specifications reference

The following parameters serve as a reference for aluminum storefront system selection and quotation; final production specifications shall be confirmed per project drawings and technical review.

  • Common alloy 6063-T5; 6061-T6 can be reviewed for higher-strength projects
  • Frame size reference 1-3/4" × 4", 1-3/4" × 4-1/2", 2" × 4-1/2", 2" × 6", custom
  • Glass compatibility 1/4" monolithic glass, 1" IGU, project-based glass pocket
  • Finish options Anodized, powder coating, PVDF, wood grain
  • Fabrication Cutting, drilling, slotting, labeling, export packing

Documentation, inspection, and export support

Chalco can provide dimensional inspection reports, surface finish verification, packing documentation, and compliance files per order requirements and project specifications to assist customers with goods receipt, customs clearance, and on-site identification.

Aluminum storefront system pricing factors

Aluminum storefront systems do not have a standard fixed price, as aluminium shop front cost varies based on dimensions, glazing, door type, framing, surface finish, and hardware configuration.

For storefronts of the same area, pricing differs between standard glass and insulated Low-E glass, or between standard and thermally broken frames.

Key factors affecting price include:

For an accurate quote, please provide opening dimensions, drawings, glass type, door configuration, color, hardware requirements, and quantity. Chalco can deliver a project-specific aluminum storefront quote based on your requirements.

Get a Project-Based Aluminum Shop Front Quote.

Instant Quote

Frequently asked questions

What is an aluminum storefront?

An aluminum storefront is an aluminum-framed glass front system for shops, offices and commercial entrances, usually including framing, glass panels, doors, sidelites, transoms and hardware.

What is an aluminium shop front?

An aluminium shop front is the UK-style term for an aluminum storefront, meaning an aluminum-framed commercial glass shop front system.

What are the main types of aluminum storefront doors?

Common types include single doors, double doors, swing doors, sliding doors, framed glass doors and folding storefront doors, selected by opening size, traffic flow and hardware needs.

How thick is an aluminum storefront door?

The thickness depends on the door frame system, stile width, glass thickness and hardware configuration, and should be confirmed by project drawings.

What is the difference between storefront and curtain wall?

Storefront systems are typically used for low-rise commercial entrances, retail facades, restaurants, office lobbies, and mall storefronts, emphasizing entrance display, integrated windows and doors, and commercial access.

Curtain walls are generally applied to larger or multi-story building exteriors, focusing on structural performance, wind load resistance, drainage, and comprehensive curtain wall engineering requirements.

What information is required for a quotation?

If complete drawings are not yet available, customers can provide site photos, reference designs, opening dimensions, and target specifications. Chalco can assist in preliminarily identifying a suitable aluminium shop front system.

Send drawings to receive an aluminum storefront system quote

Please send your storefront layout, opening dimensions, glass type, door configuration, surface finish, hardware requirements, and order quantity to Chalco.

We can help confirm the frame, glazing, doors, color, fabrication, and packaging based on your project needs, and provide a tailored quotation.

Instant Quote