Fixed window grilles and bars

What are fixed window grilles and bars?

A fixed window grille is a welded steel frame of bars bolted permanently over or inside a window. It has no moving parts and no lock to pick, which makes it the simplest and most economical grille for openings that are never used for access or escape.

Basement lights, rear storerooms, plant rooms and toilet windows are often left unguarded because they are small and rarely opened, which is exactly why they are attractive to burglars. A fixed grille closes them off permanently for a modest cost.

Fixed grilles are made from solid or hollow steel bars, welded into a frame and fixed with anti-tamper bolts or resin anchors. They can be plain vertical bars, a grid, or a more decorative design for street-facing windows.

How much do fixed window grilles and bars cost?

Our guide range is £234 to £714 including VAT (£195 to £595 plus VAT) per window, supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, type, finish and locking, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all grille prices.

Specification and options

Welded steel frame with vertical bars or a grid
Anti-tamper bolts or resin anchors into masonry
Internal or external fixing
Galvanised, powder-coated or both for external use
Decorative bar patterns available for visible elevations
Bar spacing chosen to stop entry while keeping light
Made to measure for arched and odd-shaped openings
No lock to maintain

Where fixed window grilles and bars are used

Basement and cellar windows
Rear storerooms and plant rooms
Toilet and utility windows
Outbuildings and workshops
Commercial back elevations

What to decide before you order

Never needed for escape

A fixed grille should only go on a window that is not needed as an escape route. Bedrooms and upstairs habitable rooms usually need an openable alternative.

Inside or outside

Inside fixing keeps the grille away from weather and tampering. Outside fixing suits windows with no internal access or depth.

Finish

External grilles last longest when hot-dip galvanised and then powder-coated.

Appearance

On front elevations or period buildings a decorative or slimmer bar pattern may sit better than a plain grid.

Rules across the UK

The rules on planning, listed buildings and fire safety differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to fixed window grilles and bars; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

External grilles and planning

External grilles and shutters on shops and other commercial buildings normally need planning permission from the local council because they change the building's appearance. Many councils' shopfront guides favour internal, open-lattice grilles, particularly in conservation areas.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Listed buildings need listed building consent for works that affect their character, which can include internal grilles and their fixings. In conservation areas, councils look closely at anything fitted to the outside. We recommend speaking to the council's conservation officer before ordering.

Bedroom and escape windows

Approved Document B (fire safety) expects many habitable rooms in houses, especially first-floor rooms, to have an emergency escape window with an unobstructed opening of at least 0.33 m², at least 450 mm high and 450 mm wide, with the bottom of the opening no more than 1,100 mm above the floor. We only fit grilles over escape windows with a release that opens from inside without a key.

How it works

Tell us what needs securing

Use the quote tool or form, or call. Sizes and a couple of photos help us give a guide price straight away.

Free survey

A surveyor measures every opening, checks the walls and fixings, and talks through type, colour and locks.

Fixed price in writing

You get a written quote with the grille schedule, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.

Made, fitted and handed over

Grilles are made to measure, fitted by installers working under our contract with you, tested and explained.

Fixed window grilles and bars: questions

How much do fixed window bars cost?

Fixed grilles usually cost between £195 and £595 plus VAT (£234 to £714 inc VAT) per window supplied and fitted, depending on size, finish and whether they are fixed inside or outside.

Can fixed bars go on a bedroom window?

Generally no. Bedroom and upstairs habitable room windows often need to work as escape windows, so they should have an openable grille with a keyless internal release.

How are fixed grilles attached?

With anti-tamper bolts or resin anchors into solid masonry, or to a steel subframe where the wall is weak. Fixings are positioned so they cannot be reached from outside.

Will fixed bars rust?

Galvanised and powder-coated steel is designed for years of outdoor use. Chips in the coating should be touched up to keep the protection intact.

Can fixed grilles be removed later?

Yes, by unbolting them from inside, though anti-tamper fixings are deliberately awkward to remove.

Do fixed grilles need planning permission?

Internal fixed grilles usually do not. External grilles on front elevations, listed buildings or in conservation areas may need consent, so we check before ordering.

Find fixed window grilles and bars near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.

Get your free quote