Windows Trade Plus knows security is a big issue. That is why we commit to using high quality security components in all our products.
Windows Trade Plus has spent many years working closely with national UK hardware suppliers to achieve a finish that gave the quality and consistency across the hardware range. The attention to the finer details such as colour, style and finish is vital for creating a unified aesthetic.
The Fab & Fix range supplied by ERA hardware ticked all the boxes, not only for the hardware being pleasing to the eye with consistent features, but the Hardex coating which is a anti scratch on the Fab & Fix range is a process that takes meticulous preparation of the surface of the material, followed by a complex series of chemical baths with each submersion calculated to the second once the item is ready for the final Hardex finish to be applied. After this there is a curing period in high temperatures.
The process from start to finish takes over 24hrs per item. Windows Trade Plus understands there is a lot of effort for the manufacture of hardware but the end result is well worth it.
Choice of colours
Using the finish described makes a large range of colours available. Not only will the window handle and door handles match, the letter box and all accessories also match perfectly. This means your door knockers will also be a perfect match throughout the whole of your home. You will find on the designer white, black, bright chrome, graphite and gold. Numerals can also be selected and will be colour matched to the hardware selected.
White
Black
Chrome
Graphite
Gold
Contemporary hardware
All contemporary hardware comes in a stainless-steel finish, with all other hardware then suited to match. Dependant on the door design chosen there are a multitude of options available, from handless with a pull escutcheon to the modern long bar or curved handle.
When opted for contemporary hardware due to the slam lock that is used Windows Trade Plus always recommends that the option of the pull escutcheon and thumb turn is opted for on the inside of the door slab for ease of use. Alternatively, to make it easier to use you could opt to have the same handle on the inside if an available option. This is due to the pressure seal that needs to be broken before the key can be turned to unlock the door.
Windows Trade Plus does not advise these for people with week wrists, younger children or people suffering with arthritis.
Additional Links
Below you will find the technical documentation which relates to the composite contemporary hardware.
Mechanical Parts
Windows Trade Plus has always taken a data-driven approach when specifying mechanical components. Independent usage analysis carried out over a 12-month period showed that a door is opened and closed on average 24.2 times more than a window. With composite stable doors often experiencing even higher daily use due to their split-leaf operation, this reinforced the importance of selecting hardware capable of long-term reliability, security, and consistent performance.
Locking System - Winkhaus Stable Door Lock
Windows Trade Plus specifies the Winkhaus stable door locking system, a purpose-designed solution engineered specifically for composite stable doors rather than an adapted single-door mechanism.
The Winkhaus system provides:
The locking configuration ensures that when the stable door is operated as a single unit, both sections work together to deliver excellent security, rigidity, and weather performance. When operated independently, the system maintains control, safety, and ease of use without compromising alignment or strength.
Handles, Letterplates & Furniture
All handles and external door furniture are supplied from the Fab & Fix range, selected for their proven durability, corrosion resistance, and refined appearance. Hardware is specified to suit stable door configurations, ensuring correct operation, visual consistency, and long-term reliability across both door sections.
Hinges & Door Adjustment
Composite stable doors place greater demands on hinge performance due to their increased weight and split-leaf design. Windows Trade Plus specifies high-performance 3D adjustable hinges throughout, allowing precise adjustment during installation and throughout the door's service life.
These hinges provide:
Careful hinge selection ensures smooth operation, accurate alignment, and continued performance even after years of daily use.
Door Handles
The door handle is from the Balmoral range, and is a classic design. It is manufactured from solid die cast zinc with a heavy duty integrated spring cassette combining this with the spring within the lock, you get the position spring back you would expect from a quality manufactured door. The handle design itself is a sculpted ergonomic lever with a low friction nylon bush, making it easy to grip with a smooth clean action. The screw that is visible on the inside of the door are colour coordinated again bringing the sense of quality throughout. The handles have been corrosion tested to meet the requirements of BS EN 1670:2007 grade 5 (480 hours), with an endurance test of 200,000, as with the hinges in normal use this will last over 91 years.
The letterplate defines the quality of the door. Almost all online suppliers use a low grade letterplate. Windows Trade Plus has broken the mould and decided that quality and styling is more important. Staying with the Fab & Fix range, the letterbox offers a 300mm letterplate with a 250mm opening, meaning an A4 letter will easily fit, fully spring with an Anti-snap function to allow the letterplate to open to 180° with a fully weather sealed design and acoustic insulation taken into account. Not only this the letterplate will be perfectly colour matched to your handle and is to a secured by design standard for additional peace of mind. The letterplate has been corrosion tested to BS EN 1670:2007 Grade 5 (480 hours). The flap has been tested to 30,000 cycles, meaning if you receive post twice a day everyday it would last over 41 years, and conforms to BS EN 13724:2002, and has been tested as a part of a complete door set that successfully achieved PAS24.
The standard barrell used is an Era 6 Pin Euro Barrell, but this can be selected to be upgraded to an ABS 3 Star Anti Bump PAS24 Barrell which is one of the most secure on the market. The cylinder has passed all major British standards test for security without the need for cylinder protectors or extra secure door handles. These tests include the highest TS007 standard. These barrels come complete with 3 keys.
Additional Links
Below you will find the technical documentation which relates to the composite hardware specification.
Thumb Turn Barrels
Thumb turn barrels are a variation of the standard barrels but have an internal section that does not require a key to be used. These are perfect for porches for east of use. Thumb turn barrels are also required to be used for HMO properties under the fire regulation section.
Restrictors
Door restrictors are not fitted to composite doors for open in or open out.
Thresholds and drips
We are fixated with offering the best possible looking door. Even though it is only 15mm high, and Part M compliant, the wheelchair threshold can still be seen from outside. That's why Windows Trade Plus wheelchair thresholds will always select the threshold that is most in-keeping with the the external colour you chose for the door frame and hardware. This isn't something you need to select, you just get it as standard.
The MDS25 also has improved weather performance due to a compression rebate seal (tested on numerous occasions to 150Pa air and water) and superior thermal efficiency because of an improved thermal break.
Additional Links
Below you will find the technical documentation which relates to the composite threshold.
DD30 Double Seal 30mm
Suitable for Inward Opening, Outward Opening and Stable Doors
To complement the locking system, all composite stable doors are fitted with the DD30 double door seal (30mm). This seal is specifically designed for stable door applications and plays a critical role in both performance and longevity.
Key benefits include:
This door seal has been precision-engineered to fit inward opening, outward opening, and stable doors without the need for complicated rebating. Its concealed fixing design hides screws completely, leaving a sleek and tidy finish that enhances your doors rather than spoiling them.
Performance You Can Rely On
Made from premium-grade aluminium colour matched to suit the door, long-lasting materials, this seal is built to cope with the unpredictable British weather - from heavy rain to howling winds. Its unique construction allows it to adapt to variable gaps, ensuring an airtight fit even if your door frame isn't perfectly aligned.
Rain Deflector
Designed to deflect water away from above the DD30 stable door seal and with no drill holes in the front face, it removes water ingress risks.
When you choose Windows Trade Plus - you'll be choosing a Company that's easy to do business with. Our windows and doors come with a whole host of unique features and benefits that ensure you're fitting quality products in your home or if you're in the trade, your customers' houses too. Plus, our online quote designer and ordering system enable you to cost your jobs speedily and instantly order them, it's a great way to keep your projects on track.